Almost five months to the day that Tina McIntyre suffered an almost fatal fall before being finished off with a metal bar in the alleyway, the verdict is in on Peter Barlow as he stands accused of her murder.
Of course, we all know that he’s innocent and that Rob is the guilty one but Peter hasn’t made life easy for himself. A long list of emotional abuse and a wandering eye hasn’t helped his cause and then when you add in the alcoholism, you are relying on a generous jury.
Let’s recap.
Did Peter get the jury he needed?
Not really. It took them no time at all to reach their verdict, which even surprised Peter’s wife Carla, who remarked that she’d had longer baths. The signs didn’t look good.
Guilty as charged then?
Yes and for once Peter looked crestfallen. Up in the public gallery there was mixed emotions to the verdict. Ken Barlow was convinced that “they’ve got the wrong man”, whilst Rob knew that they had and struggled to contain his delight.
Was it a surprise to everyone in the Street?
The Rovers Return was abuzz with the news as most felt that they knew that Peter must’ve done it, now that they have the help of hindsight. Others were surprised with the outcome, with Michelle Keegan, who played Tina, even taking to Twitter to express her shock.
Noooooooo Peter got found guilty! But he’s INNOCENT!!!!!!!!!!!! ð±ð±ð±ð±ð± Did not see that coming! X
— michelle keegan (@michkeegan) October 20, 2014
So what next for Peter?
He gets sentenced on Friday but even Carla is smelling a rat and thinks it doesn’t add up. Maybe she will put two and two together and come up with Rob, or will he come clean once he knows that there’s no return for Peter?
Surely there will be an appeal? They can’t convict the wrong man?
Almost certainly and the social media campaigns for his release have already started. Twitter is awash with messages of support for the #FreePeter and #FreePeterBarlow campaigns and you can already order your ‘Free the Weatherfield One’ T-Shirts.
It’ll be Deirdre all over again but I expect that the Corrie producers will make it good before government intervention is sought this time around.
At the end of the day, the bad guys always get their comeuppance, even if a few innocents have to be hurt along the way. Rob may still be sleeping with one eye open for now.
So, a quiet week until it builds to a crescendo on Friday for the sentencing?
I don’t think so as there is one last shock for the residents of Coronation Street. Cilla Battersby-Brown is back and has a bag full of emotional grenades to let off. It is time to take cover…
Were you shocked at Peter's guilty verdict?
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Yes! #FreePeter
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No - he only has himself to blame
