The villagers are furious when Henry Stoddard, who was convicted of murdering Nick Rowan's predecessor, is released from prison. When the Aidensfield Arms is attacked and Ventress is nearly killed in a hit-and-run accident, Henry immediately comes under suspicion and protests his innocence in the 15-year-old murder case. Rob reopens the case in an attempt to stop further violence from spilling out, but he ends up casting doubt on Blaketon's integrity when evidence suggests another member of the Stoddard family was too blame. Meanwhile, Peggy is delighted when she discovers she may be a distant relative of Lord Ashfordly's and wastes no time by cashing in on her discovery and making herself quite at home at Ashfordly Hall, whilst Bellamy leaves the villagers stunned when he turns up at the pub - with his new wife Debbie!

The Ashfordly team pursue Aidensfield's very own Bonnie and Clyde following a series of armed robberies. When the runaway heiress is injured whilst on the run, her ruthless boyfriend kidnaps Helen, who pushes her luck too far when she sets out to persuade the young women to ditch her violent partner-in-crime. Meanwhile, Peggy is incensed when Rosie takes over at the garage whilst Bernie is away and instructs a reluctant David to prove himself by organizing a funeral in a madcap scheme to get Bernie to leave the garage to the hapless handyman in his will.