In a shocking conclusion to one of EastEnders’ darkest storylines of the year, Joel Bennett has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for his

brutal attack on Vicki Fowler. The courtroom drama marks the emotional climax of a harrowing arc that has gripped Walford for months —

leaving the residents reeling, families fractured, and fans stunned by the raw performances and the unexpected turns along the way.

This week’s episodes delivered heartbreak, justice, and redemption — all the ingredients that make EastEnders a soap powerhouse. Here’s how it all unfolded.

The Trial That Shook Walford

After weeks of tension, the trial of Joel Bennett finally began at Southwark Crown Court. The once-charming yet manipulative man who had wormed his way into the lives of several Walford residents now stood accused of a violent assault that left Vicki hospitalized and fighting for her life.

Prosecutors painted Joel as a predator who had carefully groomed and manipulated those around him before finally snapping in a fit of rage. His history of controlling behavior and emotional abuse was laid bare in court, shocking even those who thought they knew him best.

Throughout the proceedings, Joel showed little remorse. He sat stone-faced as witness after witness took the stand — including Kat, Phil, and Tommy, whose emotional testimony brought viewers to tears.

Tommy’s statement, in particular, was a standout moment. Struggling to keep his composure, he revealed how Joel had manipulated him, making him believe they were friends. “He said he cared about me,” Tommy said through tears, “but he just used me to hide from what he’d done.”

The courtroom fell silent. Even Joel couldn’t meet Tommy’s eyes.

Vicki’s Heartbreaking Testimony

Vicki’s appearance in court was one of the most powerful moments EastEnders has aired this year. Still recovering from her injuries, she bravely took the stand to face her attacker.

Her voice trembled as she recounted the night of the assault — the argument that escalated, the look in Joel’s eyes, and the terror she felt as everything went black. “I thought I was going to die,” she whispered, as her mother clasped her hands from the gallery.

The raw emotion of the scene left viewers devastated. Fans flooded social media with praise for the performances, calling it “some of the best acting EastEnders has ever done.”

Vicki’s courage ultimately proved decisive. Her testimony helped secure the guilty verdict that many feared might not come.

Joel’s Sentencing and His Final Words

On Friday’s explosive episode, the judge handed down the verdict: Guilty on all counts. The courtroom erupted in tears and relief as Joel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the brutal attack, plus additional time for obstruction of justice and evading arrest.

As officers led him away, Joel turned to the gallery with an eerie smirk. “You haven’t seen the last of me,” he muttered — a chilling line that could hint at a future twist or a return years down the line.

Kat clutched Tommy tightly, whispering, “It’s over, love. He can’t hurt anyone anymore.” But Tommy didn’t look convinced. The trauma of what happened — and his guilt for helping Joel hide before the arrest — will clearly haunt him for a long time.

The Fallout in Walford

In the days following Joel’s sentencing, the emotional fallout spreads across Albert Square.

Kat struggles to hold her family together as Tommy isolates himself, refusing to go to school or talk about what happened. “He trusted Joel,” Kat tells Stacey, breaking down in tears. “And now he blames himself for everything.”

Phil, meanwhile, is furious — not just at Joel, but at himself for not seeing the warning signs sooner. He vows to “make things right” for Tommy, though what that means remains unclear.

Elsewhere, Grant Mitchell’s return to Walford continues to shake things up. After helping track Joel down, Grant seems haunted by the violence he witnessed. “Walford’s not what it used to be,” he tells Phil quietly at the Vic. “And maybe neither of us are.”

Fans React: ‘Justice Served!’

The EastEnders fanbase erupted online after the verdict aired. Many viewers expressed relief that justice was finally served, while others praised the show for tackling such a dark storyline with depth and sensitivity.

On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote: “That courtroom scene had me in tears. Vicki was incredible — what a performance.”

Another added: “Joel getting 14 years is the ending we needed. Props to EastEnders for not glamorizing his redemption. Some people don’t change.”