Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street's Bernie Winter is warned that she's facing a prison sentence next week.
Bernie receives the worrying news as she faces court for her recent involvement in criminal activity.
In this week's episodes, Bernie is worried that her son Paul Foreman will struggle financially as he faces an 11-week wait for a Personal Independence Payment.
Paul was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) earlier this year and gave up his job at the builder's yard as he was no longer able to complete the physical jobs.
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Bernie meets with her friend Big Garth and asks him to sell the rest of their stolen goods at a knockdown price as she now needs money more quickly.
Big Garth follows these instructions, but a police officer soon spots him handing a wad of cash to Bernie. Bernie is then arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
Next week, Bernie confirms to Paul and her daughter Gemma Winter that she's due in court after being charged with the crime.
After receiving advice from solicitor Joel Deering, Bernie decides to plead guilty.
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Paul, Gemma, Dev Alahan and Billy Mayhew are all present in court as Bernie hears her fate.
The judge takes a no-nonsense approach, pointing out that Bernie already has a criminal record and will need to face a custodial sentence.
Paul speaks out to defend his mum, urging the judge to reconsider as he has MND and needs Bernie around to provide support.
Related: Coronation Street star Jane Hazlegrove discusses public response to Paul story
Coronation Street's producer Iain MacLeod recently told us: "This Christmas, the catastrophe arises from Bernie and her historical involvement with Shelly's slightly dubious online scamming.
"It puts her in a massive amount of legal hot water, to the extent that there's every likelihood that she's not going to be present for what will be Paul's last Christmas – and the family might not get to be together for one last festive moment."
Check out more of our Coronation Street coverage:
- Coronation Street reveals Paul Foreman's tragic prognosis in 26 new spoiler pictures
- Coronation Street's Amy Barlow sparks concern from Summer Spellman
- Coronation Street star Jane Hazlegrove discusses Bernie's tragic Christmas twist
- Coronation Street confirms upsetting Christmas storyline for Stu Carpenter
- Coronation Street confirms long-term future for Lauren Bolton
- Coronation Street's Joseph Brown rushed to A&E as Gemma fears for his health
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Coronation Street has been working on Paul's storyline with support from the MND Association, which focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for people affected by motor neurone disease.
The charity's helpline MND Connect (0808 802 6262) is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and 7pm to 10.30pm. Calls are free.
