A criminal nicknamed 'The Hairy Bandit' is causing havoc and the courthouse is feeling the impact.

Michael's divorce from Joanne officially comes through, just as former Public Solicitor Paulyne Gray reappears in his life after a six month absence.

Michael considers his attitudes towards both politics and rural life after his cousin comes to the city, having now been elected to Parliament and holding very different opinions to Michael.

Fulvio and Sandra's marriage comes close to breaking point after Sandra is arrested for shoplifting.

An act of vandalism by the member of an animal rights group leaves Michael becoming emotionally involved with the accused's mother.