Kingdom learns never to Judge

While the folk of Market Shipborough have a lot of time and respect for Peter Kingdom, he's not someone they race to with gossip. So, he's quite stunned to discover that nasty Judge Harding (Jack Dee) is the father of Beatrice's baby girl, Petra... Plus, according to the dishonourable His Honour, Beatrice is blackmailing him.

Beatrice denies all but is curious about who is putting the screws on her baby's daddy. So, when Judge Harding asks Peter to discreetly investigate the blackmail, Beatrice is more than happy to help. And not only do they find out who, but also why. In the end, the Judge has nowhere to hide and has to face the consequences of all his mistakes and misbehaviour.

Still, every cloud has a silver lining and Peter could use Judge Harding's disadvantage to his advantage. He has a client, unemployed Warren, who stole the Judge's briefcase – among other things – to make maintenance payments for his three children, whom he loves. Warren's ex-wife makes his life hell and he desperately needs someone to give him a break. Will Judge Harding be that someone?

On a lighter note, Lyle Anderson finds himself at the centre of a battle between local Druids and golfers and his smart thinking is rewarded in a very special way.