Until I Kill You ending explained: What happens when Delia attends John’s trial?

As a storyteller, I find myself deeply moved by the tale of Delia Balmer, a woman whose strength and resilience shone brighter than the sun amidst the darkest of times. Her journey is one that leaves an indelible mark on the heart, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure even when faced with unimaginable adversity.

*Warning: This article contains full spoilers for the final episode of Until I Kill You.*

In the last installment of Until I Kill You, Delia Balmer (played by Anna Maxwell Martin) confronts her former boyfriend and assailant, John Sweeney (portrayed by Shaun Evans), in a courtroom setting.

In the second-to-last episode, Delia grapples with a massive choice and it’s evident she’s finding it hard to handle. She resorts to drinking alcohol to ease her anxiety before testifying in court.

Under scrutiny during the trial, it’s evident that Delia appears unfit to testify due to her erratic behavior, lashing out at those nearby. However, as we approach the last episode of the series, will she manage to withstand a cross-examination?

The TV show is an imaginative adaptation of Balmer’s book “Living with a Serial Killer,” detailing Balmer’s traumatic experience at the hands of Sweeney, the police, and the justice system. After being held captive in Balmer’s own home for a week, Sweeney was granted bail.

Sweeney was eventually caught – but will he be sentenced for his crimes?

Read on for the complete breakdown of the ending to Until I Kill You.

Until I Kill You ending explained: What happens when Delia attends John’s trial?

1994 was the year Sweeney stood trial for his assault on Delia. In the penultimate episode, we witnessed a variety of feelings from Delia as she confronted individuals in court, displayed her scars to the audience, and even rebuked Sweeney directly.

Following a brief moment of reflection and discussing the matter with DC Christine Webb (Laura Morgan), who pointed out that such behavior aligns with Sweeney’s expectations, Delia resumes providing testimony again.

Delia describes that fateful night as the one when she was killed, explaining that she had biked home from work and encountered Sweeney at her front doorstep.

In the courtroom, it’s evident that Sweeney finds the description of her injuries distressing. “I dislike seeing my scars,” she explains to the court, “as they cover much of my body.

After Delia shares how the attack affected her psychological well-being, causing her to mention PTSD, Sweeney reacts with a skeptical eye roll. Delia clarifies that she doesn’t rely on antidepressants, expressing her feelings as being trapped within a deep and dark abyss.

The prosecutor’s questioning angers Delia when it suggests they shared a sadomasochistic, consenting relationship. When it’s Sweeney’s turn to take the stand, he denies everything. However, the jurors are later shown one of Sweeney’s drawings as evidence.

The picture is of a boot about to crush a cockroach, with writing on the front section of the boot reading: “May you never die until I kill you.”

In a different image where certain words were erased using Tipp-Ex, it clearly reveals information about Sweeney’s birthdate and the day he assaulted Delia. Subsequently, the following day, the jury reconvenes after deliberating and declares Sweeney guilty of attempting to murder Delia.

Following the verdict, Delia appears troubled, feeling like the country is mocking her. However, David (Kevin Doyle) makes an effort to lift her spirits.

DC Webb arrives with the update that Sweeney was sentenced to life imprisonment four times over, but in reality, the judge decided that Sweeney may become eligible for parole after nine years.

It’s apparent that David and Delia have grown emotionally distant from each other, as evidenced by a once-cherished date night deteriorating when David references Delia’s statement in court that she has never genuinely loved anyone.

The situation deteriorates as a dispute over the wine bottle escalates, causing some glassware to be broken, and Delia exits the eatery.

Until I Kill You ending explained: What happens when Delia attends John’s trial?

As she strolled by a group of policemen, they apprehended her for being drunk and disruptive following her verbal outburst towards them on the street. Consequently, she ended up spending a night in jail, only to be released the next morning. Upon her arrival, David was present, but she decided to end their relationship.

Afterwards, Delia resumes her job at the hospital and decides to volunteer as a massage therapist in another department without charging for her services. This fresh role invigorates Delia and she forms a bond with one of the patients, Nabil. However, when Nabil departs from the ward to go home, it’s evident that Delia is finding it hard following what she believed was a blossoming friendship.

2009 finds us in Amsterdam, where Melissa Halstead’s original case officer is making a call to the police station overseeing Paula Fields’s ongoing investigation.

I’ve recently learned some updates regarding Sweeney. Back in 1995, Halstead’s remains were discovered, but it wasn’t until a cold case team identified them that we had a breakthrough. Interestingly, the manner of Halstead’s death bears striking resemblance to Fields’ murder, as her head, hands, and feet were missing in both cases.

As Sweeney’s parole date approaches, the police are under immense pressure to accumulate enough evidence to convict him for the murders they believe he committed. They assert that crucial evidence presented by Balmer, in which Sweeney confessed to murdering Halstead, was never presented in a court of law.

The authorities plan to bring charges against Sweeney for the murders, and since he’s expected to claim innocence, they aim to take the case to court. In this process, it would be helpful if Delia could testify in the courtroom.

Following her initial encounter, she flatly declines, and the police grasp this situation. While they’d like her to provide live testimony, the recovery of hundreds of Sweeney’s sketches and verses provides them with sufficient evidence, enabling Delia to simply submit a videotaped account instead.

Delia consents to the request, however, she’s under the influence of alcohol at the time. The authorities would like to use a video as evidence, but they think it’s crucial for Delia to appear in court personally, only after a psychiatrist confirms her mental state is suitable. The police advise Delia not to drink before the psychiatric evaluation, but she still purchases wine and brandy the night prior.

During the early hours, she informs the police officers that she hadn’t consumed any alcohol or drugs whatsoever, and proceeded to her scheduled appointment with the psychiatrist to determine if she’s psychologically prepared to testify in court.

During the meeting, she shares details about her family and the incident involving Sweeney’s assault. The psychologist believes there’s a strong likelihood that Delia may consider suicide, leading them to decide that under no circumstance is Delia required to testify in court.

Is John Sweeney sentenced at the end of Until I Kill You?

It’s confirmed that Sweeney is facing two life imprisonments with no chance for parole, which is also referred to as a whole-life sentence.

In a conversation over the phone, Delia shares news with her brother, Stewart, while on the call we observe Sweeney completing a disquieting drawing of the judge. Stewart reassures Delia by stating, “You’ve prevailed, Delia. He attempted to harm you, but he failed because your strength is unmatched.” Stewart emphasizes that she has always been the resilient one within their family.

Subsequently, Delia is spotted cycling through a park with London in the distance as a backdrop. Upon returning home, she finds her newly arrived passport waiting for her. The scene then shifts to Delia, who is seen preparing a travel backpack, evidently readying herself to depart.

At the conclusion of the series, it’s mentioned: “Delia Balmer authored a book detailing her experiences with John Sweeney and the Criminal Justice System. This drama is inspired by that book.

As the story concludes with Delia strolling onto a bright beach and heading towards the shoreline, additional details disclose that in reality, Delia continues to offer therapeutic massages, dance when possible, and travel whenever she gets the chance.

The thriller “Until I Kill You” will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX starting this coming Sunday, 3rd November, through Wednesday, 6th November, every night at 9 PM on ITV1.

2024-11-04 02:04

Until I Kill You ending explained: What happens when Delia attends John’s trial?

Is John Sweeney sentenced at the end of Until I Kill You?

Read More