Home and Away's Irene Roberts faces court in tense scenes

 Will Irene be jailed for helping to hide Dana?

Home and Away's Irene Roberts will face a terrifying ordeal in court this week, as she waits to hear her fate after being arrested for harbouring a fugitive.

In scenes that aired in Australia in September, Irene was arrested along with Harper Matheson, after it was revealed that they had been hiding Harper's sister, Dana, from the authorities.

While Irene firmly believed that she was doing the right thing by helping innocent Dana, who was framed for drug offences by her ex-boyfriend Ollie and corrupt police officer Madden, her actions have landed her in major trouble with the law.

In new scenes that will air in Australia this week, Irene arrives at court for her hearing, as reported by TV Week.

Shaking with fear, Irene is briefed by her lawyer Greta on the opposing bench – and the judge. Greta warns Irene that he's a stickler for the rules and so they have a tough fight ahead of them.

With Irene having tried to distance herself from the incident – and her friends – as much as possible, she faces a worrying time ahead of her.

"Irene was hesitant, because she was trying to convince herself it wasn't going to come to anything," actress Lynne McGranger, who plays Irene, said of her character's mental state. "The thought of going back to jail would be too much to bear."

She added that Irene feels "dreadful" as the hearing gets underway, saying: "She thinks she's gone for all money, because Rose [Delaney] had told her she could get seven years in jail. The last time she was in jail, she ended up back on the alcohol again."

With the atmosphere tense as the proceedings get underway, Dana, Harper and John Palmer are all at court to support an emotional Irene.

Things start to unravel for her when the prosecutor asks for the maximum sentence of seven years, and the judge seems to show little compassion for Irene.

Thinking quickly, Greta declares that Irene would like to make a statement. Irene stands up and speaks from the heart, reaffirming her belief in good and explaining her reasons for helping to hide Dana.

While Irene's speech is moving, not everyone is convinced. Will the moment help or hinder her case when it comes to the disapproving judge?

The next morning, Irene appears in court to hear the verdict. As she glances back at her friends, she wipes away tears as the judge delivers his ruling.

Will Irene be found guilty, and will she end up with a prison sentence?

These scenes air this week in Australia, and will air in the UK in January 2024.

Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First-look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.