When his car breaks down Willy (Christopher Eccleston) takes a cab and finds something on the back seat that might be the answer to his prayers or the beginning of his downfall. But despite Willy's best efforts events rapidly spiral out of his control and now he is in the dock and the jury will decide what happens next. Will he be free to go or sent down?

Episode 1, Willy's Story

Drama

Crime

Separate stories open as an ordinary individual is led up from the holding cells beneath the court, back to the dock to hear their fate. As each episode unravels we learn how each person comes to be there. What is their story? Are they innocent or guilty or somewhere in between? And will the jury make the right judgement? Starring Olivia Colman, Peter Capaldi, Stephen Graham, Sean Bean and more.

Accused

Series 1

Series 2

Each episode follows a new person accused of a crime and what led them to end up in court.

20 year-old Frankie Nash (Ben Smith) is awaiting his verdict. He's strangely quiet and stoic considering he is charged with murder. It's some months earlier and Frankie and his best mate Peter McShane (Ben Batt) are up for it and out on the town. But their bravado turns sour ending in a fight and they're arrested. Also starring Mackenzie Crook.

Episode 2, Frankie's Story

A primary teacher, Helen Ryland sends her son Rob (Joseph Phillips) off to his first day of temping work in a local factory. He is fatally injured in his first hour there. Yet it is only later that night that Helen and her husband Frank (Peter Capaldi) learn to their horror that their only child is dead.

Episode 3, Helen's Story

Liam Black (Andy Serkis) drives a cab. He's a gambler and desperate to escape the limitations and stresses of his life and his marriage. One day he takes Emma Croft (Jodie Whittaker) to the airport and is smitten. She's an estate agent going to a conference, young and full of life. He gives her his card and says ring anytime. He really means it.

Episode 4, Liam's Story

Family man Kenny Armstrong (Marc Warren) works at the local crematorium. But now he's in the dock because under duress he acted against his better judgment.

Episode 5, Kenny's Story

Mother of two Alison Wade (Naomie Harris) is in the dock and facing serious charges. She's in a state of shock and disbelief. Alison works at a special needs care centre. She's married to David (Warren Brown) and they adore their two young children Hannah (Janay Bell) and Tom (Lucas Sproul). But their relationship is under strain.