The most momentous day of his life has finally arrived: Colby is standing trial for the murder of his stepdad, Ross.
But what happens in the courtroom will not only seal his fate, but have repercussions for the entire community.
In recent episodes of Home And Away, Colby (Tim Franklin) was forced into a corner by Detective Angelo Rosetta (Luke Jacobz), who not only discovered he was having an affair with his wife Taylor (Annabelle Stephenson), but conspiring to tamper with evidence.
It wasn’t enough to charge the policeman with murder – until an unidentified witness came forward and gave Angelo the golden ticket he was searching for.
Colby was arrested and now faces the full weight of the law.
On the day of the trial, Colby and Dean (Patrick O’Connor) enjoy one last surf together, reminiscing about their arrival in Summer Bay. The ex-policeman is full of regret and apologises for bringing his mate into his mess.
Is there still hope?
“They all agreed to band together to save Colby,” Patrick says. “As a cast, we all wanted to bring justice to the story.”
At the courthouse later, proceedings get underway as Willow (Sarah Roberts), Dean and Bella (Courtney Miller) arrive to show their support.
Colby’s lawyer tells him Taylor has been removed from testifying against him – but the mysterious “Witness X” remains.
The prosecution continues to reveal their evidence, none of which confirm his fate.
Just as Colby begins to see a glimmer of hope, Angelo smirks.
The prosecution lawyer is then granted permission to play a recording of a wiretap, in which Colby admits to murdering Ross!
Colby, Dean and Bella are stunned – and then Willow is called to the stand.
Shaking, she reveals herself to be Witness X and testifies against Colby, all the while protecting Dean, Bella and herself.
“Willow has known for a long time there’s no way out of this, so she twists the story so that Dean and Bella remain safe.
“She turns Colby in to save them,” Sarah, 35, says. “She knew this would tear the family apart, so she made a sacrifice.”
Dean is livid and causes a scene.
READ NEXT: EXCLUSIVE: Home And Away’s Sarah Roberts spills on THAT shock Witness X reveal
Colby is gutted by her betrayal, but resigns himself to whatever’s coming.
“He’s shocked by Willow’s actions, but he also realises why,” Tim says. “It’s quite sad.”
The next day, Colby does the unthinkable: he takes the stand himself.
He admits to killing Ross and is adamant he did it alone.
Dean stands ready to confess his part, but it’s too late – Colby is sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
Bella sobs uncontrollably as her brother is handcuffed and taken away.
As word spreads, the locals reel in shock.
Willow appeals to Bella and Dean, but her words fall on deaf ears.
That night, she decides to pack her things, says goodbye to Jasmine (Sam Frost) and Irene (Lynne McGranger) and watches Summer Bay disappear in her rear-view mirror…
Is this goodbye forever?