Emmerdale fans in uproar after Lachlan White is aquitted of attempted murder… but the Sugdens STILL get the last laugh

EMMERDALE fans were left cursing the criminal justice system after scheming Lachlan White was found not guilty in tonight's episode.

The scheming teen, on trial on attempted murder charges after shooting his granddad, stood bruised but relieved in the dock as the foreman announced their decision.

But soon reality set in, and during the judge's closing words, he revealed that due to him previously pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice, he would be returned to custody while a pre-sentencing report was prepared.

Lachlan looked terrified, knowing he would soon be confined with his violent cellmate who had been bullying him and making his life hell.

The news coaxed remarks of wicked glee from the Sugden family, who had front row seats for the big event.

Lachlan had tried to frame Andy for the crime, hiding the shotgun he tried to take Lawrence out with in his car.

As Lachlan was led away, Robert sneered: "Not so smug now!"

But not even that could rouse sympathy from viewers, who appeared to want him to face the death sentence for his previous indiscretions.

However, people at home were livid, with one viewer branding the jury an "absolute disgrace".

Some did seem to have sympathy for the rogue teen, with one viewer saying he was a victim of circumstance rather than all-out evil.

Back in November, viewers were left in confusion when the troubled teen made a shock confession to police, before being charged with attempted murder.

The character had spent previous weeks spinning a web of lies, and pulled his mum Chrissie White down with him.

However, showing a softer side to police tonight, he finally admitted shooting his grandfather Lawrence.

The troubled character, played by Thomas Atkinson, decided to come clean after watching video footage of his mum admitting to Diane that she's scared of him.

With Ronnie Hale by his side, he was interrogated by police before insisting it was an accident.

But despite his pleas, he was charged, and it was up to a shocked Ronnie to deliver the news to Chrissie.

It split viewers, as many congratulated the character for finally sparking some sympathy.

But others stuck by their views, insisting he was bad news.

One wrote: "Never liked Lachlan little s**t watch it Chrissie Diane and its not his fault hhmm."

While another added: "Why do I feel like Lachlan is gonna tell the police it was Robert who shot Lawrence?"

But one wrote: "Lachlan is finally where he belongs but kinda feel sorry for him."

And another added: "I absolutely love Thomas Atkinson. He's a fantastic actor, & I feel so bad for lachlan. He needs to escape from Chrissie."

Meanwhile there was a lot of hate for Kerry on the show, as she was branded "annoying" by disgruntled viewers.

One fan even wrote: "Finally lockie has handed himself in about time, kerry still playing the victim the nutter can see her coming off worse here."

Will Lochlan be sent down for the murder, or will Chrissie step in and attempt to save her son again?

• Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV

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