Rumpole of the Bailey

Rumpole is back but in unfamiliar surroundings--juvenile court--defending yet another member of the South London family of petty villains. This time, Cary Timson is accused of devil worship.

In the case of Pinhead Morgan, sentenced for the murder of a policeman, and in the case of a judicial bop, His Honor Mr. Justice Featherstone is in danger of losing his appeal when confessions both in court and at home prove worthless.

Rumpole and Phyllida are impressed by their partners. Vital evidence has been stolen in a burglary at the Rumpoles’ flat, and Hilda sets out to catch the thief. Rumpole is poised for a successful appeal and Phyllida is set up to take up a new role.

Rumpole flirts with a beautiful violinist and finds himself reluctantly defending her husband, who is charged with murdering the violinist's musical partner. Meanwhile, Claude Erskine-Brown accuses Henry, the clerk at 3 Equity Court, of sexually harassing a secretary.

A remote cousin invites Hilda and Rumpole unexpectedly to Sackbut Castle for a stately weekend. But the death of an old lady found drowned in their lake makes it clear that the invitation isn’t purely social, nor is the solution straightforward.

A visit to the dentist starts Rumpole’s day badly and it is not improved by his appearance before Mr. Justice Oliphant in a particularly irritating mood. Losing his temper, Rumpole finds himself on trial for contempt before another enemy.