'The Complaint'
Written by Tony Parker, directed by Peter Duguid

An elderly man is brought before the court, accused of attempted burglary. He pleads guilty, saying that he is getting too old to keep getting into trouble. He is sent to the Crown Court for sentencing. Arthur Hansen is charged with two counts of indecent exposure. After the late arrival of Miss Clegwit, defending counsel, he pleads not guilty. The first witness says that Hansen opened his coat and exposed himself to her. Her friend claims that she still has nightmares about Hansen. However, under cross-examination her memory of the incident differs from that of her friend, while her description of Hansen's appearance and his clothes proves to be inaccurate.

PC Williamson, who arrested Hansen, knows and likes him. Miss Clegwit suggests that Williamson assumed it must be Hansen, knowing of his previous convictions for indecent exposure. She suggests that it was not Hansen but another man wearing a similar coat who exposed himself to the women. Hansen gives evidence, insisting that it must be a case of mistaken identity. Miss Clegwit points out that Hansen has never before pleaded not guilty. Hansen's wife gives evidence on his behalf. She is a mental patient who only leaves her institution at weekends. She claims never to have left Hansen's side, but it is clear that she is trying to protect him, as even Hansen said that she was briefly absent when she went to a public toilet.

The magistrates find Hansen guilty. In mitigation, Miss Clegwit calls his social worker. She testifies to his courage and good character. He has 122 previous convictions for indecent exposure and has been imprisoned 64 times. He desperately wants to overcome his compulsion but there is no effective treatment available for him. He placed himself in a mental hospital and was given a letter of residence by them so that when stopped he would be sent back there rather than be arrested. He opted to discharge himself when he fell in love with another patient so that they could be married and she could be let out at weekends and experience the outside world. He did this knowing that he might be arrested again, but felt it was worth the risk for her sake. Miss Clegwit argues that simply nothing can be done for Hansen and that any sentence will be ineffectual in treating his condition. The magistrates withdraw to consider their verdict.