Until I Kill You ending explained: What happens when Delia attends John’s trial?
In the second-to-last episode, Delia confronts the weighty choice she has to make, and it becomes clear that she's having a tough time dealing with it. To soothe her anxiety before testifying, she turns to drinking.
In the courtroom, it's obvious that Delia isn't in a good condition to testify, as she reacts angrily to the people nearby. But what unfolds in the series finale? Will she have the chance to be cross-examined?
The series reimagines the story from Balmer's book, "Living with a Serial Killer," detailing her traumatic experience with Sweeney. It highlights how the police and the legal system failed her, especially when Sweeney was granted bail after holding Balmer captive in her own house for a week.
Sweeney was finally apprehended – but will he face punishment for his actions?
Continue reading for a thorough explanation of the conclusion to Until I Kill You.
Anna Maxwell Martin portrays Delia Balmer in *Until I Kill You.* Photo credit: ITV/World Productions.
In the second-to-last episode, Delia took the stand to testify against Sweeney for the attack he committed against her back in 1994. Throughout this emotional experience, she expressed a wide array of feelings. Delia raised her voice at those present in the courtroom, revealed her scars for all to see, and confronted Sweeney directly, expressing her anger towards him.
After taking a moment to reflect and having a conversation with DC Christine Webb (Laura Morgan), who pointed out that her emotional outburst was exactly what Sweeney was hoping for, Delia returns to testify once more.
Delia describes it as "the night he took my life" as she recalls the evening she rode her bike home from work and was confronted by Sweeney right at her front door.
As she talks about the impact of her injuries, it's evident that Sweeney is frustrated by having to go into such detail while sitting in the courtroom across from her. "I don't enjoy seeing my injuries; I have scars all over my body," she expresses to the court.
When Delia discusses how the assault has affected her mental well-being, Sweeney reacts by rolling his eyes at the reference to PTSD. Delia clarifies that she doesn't use antidepressants, expressing that she "feels like she's trapped in a dark void."
The way the prosecution questions Delia gets her worked up, especially when they suggest that she and Sweeney had a consensual sado-masochistic relationship. When Sweeney takes the stand, he denies all the allegations, but the jury is then shown one of his drawings.
The image features a boot poised to stomp on a cockroach, and on the toe of the boot, there's a phrase that says, "I hope you live forever until I get rid of you."
In a different photo where some text was erased using correction fluid, there are clear references to Sweeney's birth date and the day he assaulted Delia. The next day, after discussing the evidence, the jury comes back and determines that Sweeney is guilty of trying to murder Delia.
Following the sentencing, Delia is upset, believing that the country is mocking her. In an effort to lift her spirits, David (Kevin Doyle) attempts to console her.
DC Webb arrives to share the update that Sweeney has received four life sentences. However, the judge has determined that Sweeney could apply for parole in nine years.
It's obvious that David and Delia are growing more distant from each other. This becomes especially evident during one of their date nights when David brings up Delia's statement in court about never having loved anyone.
The situation escalates when, while arguing over the wine bottle, they accidentally break a few glasses, prompting Delia to walk out of the restaurant.
Kevin Doyle portrays the character David in "Until I Kill You." This production is a collaboration between ITV and World Productions.
As she strolls by a group of police officers, they take her into custody for being intoxicated and causing a scene after she begins yelling at them in the street. She has to spend the night in a holding cell, but she’s released the next morning. When she gets out, David is waiting for her, but she decides to end their relationship.
Eventually, Delia goes back to work at the hospital, volunteering her skills as a therapeutic masseuse in a different unit. This new position gives her a sense of rejuvenation, and she begins to bond with a patient named Nabil. However, when he is discharged and goes home, it becomes evident that Delia is having a hard time coping, feeling the loss of what she thought was a blossoming friendship.
Fast forward to 2009, and in Amsterdam, the investigator who initially handled Melissa Halstead's case is reaching out to the police department responsible for Paula Fields's investigation.
She has updates regarding Sweeney following the identification of Halstead's remains by a cold case team, after her body was discovered in 1995. Notably, her head, hands, and feet were missing, which closely resembles the circumstances surrounding Fields's murder.
As Sweeney's parole date approaches, the police are under immense pressure to collect evidence linking him to the murders. They claim that the information given by Balmer, in which Sweeney confessed to killing Halstead, was never presented to a jury.
The police come to see Delia to inform her that they plan to charge Sweeney with the murders. Since Sweeney is expected to plead not guilty, they aim to take the case to trial and would like Delia to testify in court.
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Following her initial experience, she declines to participate again, and the police respect her decision. While they would rather hear her speak in person, the fact that they have collected numerous drawings and poems by Sweeney provides them with sufficient evidence. As a result, Delia is permitted to simply record her statement on video.
Delia consents to the idea, but she's not exactly sober when she does. The police want to rely on the video for their case, but Sweeney contends that given how serious the situation is, Delia should testify in court in person once a psychiatrist confirms she’s mentally ready. Although the police caution her against consuming any alcohol prior to her psychiatric assessment, Delia still heads out the night before to purchase some wine and brandy.
In the morning, she informs the officers that she didn't consume any alcohol at all and goes to her appointment with the psychiatrist to determine if she is mentally stable enough to testify in court.
During the session, she shares details about her family and recounts the events of the night when Sweeney attacked. The psychiatrist expresses concern about the genuine risk that Delia might harm herself, leading them to conclude that she will not be required to testify in court for any reason.
Is John Sweeney Sentenced In Until I Kill You?
Shaun Evans plays the role of John Sweeney in "Until I Kill You." ITV.
We find out that Sweeney has received two life sentences without the chance for parole, referred to as a life tariff.
Delia shares the news with her brother, Stewart, during a phone call, while Sweeney continues to work on a troubling portrait of the judge. "You came out on top, Delia. He attempted to harm you but failed because you're incredibly resilient," Stewart tells her, emphasizing that she has always been the strongest member of their family.
Next, we watch Delia cycling through a park with a view of London. When she gets back home, she notices that her new passport has arrived. Shortly after, we see her getting a travel backpack ready for her upcoming trip.
The concluding remarks of the series state: "Delia Balmer authored a book detailing her experiences with John Sweeney and the Criminal Justice System. This drama draws inspiration from her book."
The last scene shows Delia stepping onto a bright beach and heading towards the ocean. Additional notes at the end share that the actual Delia continues to offer therapeutic massages, enjoys dancing, and travels whenever possible.
Until I Kill You will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX starting Sunday, November 3rd, and continuing through Wednesday, November 6th, at 9 PM on ITV1.
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