In Emmerdale, the perverted rapist Craig Reed (Ben Addis) insisted that the forced intercourse he had with Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) was consensual, demonstrating his inability to admit that he had committed a major crime.
Lydia felt overpowered and made excuses to leave the Dingle dining room for fresh air while Craig talked animatedly to an unobservant Sam (James Hooton) while seated at the dinner table.
She was still unable to get away from the sick Craig, who followed her outside.
Craig maintained an unnervingly calm demeanor as he persuaded Lydia not to feel bad about what had happened between them. Lydia was devastated as she insisted that she didn’t want Craig in her home with her family.
Craig denied raping her, telling Lydia that it was what they both wanted and that all the indications were there.
Craig continued to act innocent, claiming that they were “in this together.” Lydia apologized for possibly giving him the incorrect impression, something she shouldn’t have had to do.
He continued by admitting his affections for her and how happy he was to see her again. He insisted that their reunification was proof that fate wanted them to be together.
Craig resolutely declared that he was staying put when Lydia begged him to leave her and her family alone, shocking Lydia.
Lydia bravely made her way to the police station to report Craig as her rapist, terrified that she might never be free of him.
Lydia sobbed in the interview room, blaming herself for what had happened and worrying about what her family would think if they found out.
After receiving a call from Sam, Lydia decided against reporting Craig and returned home to be with her family.
Will she remain silent about her heinous experience and endure it in silence, or will she summon the strength to speak out?
