Emmerdale Tom King ‘to escape prison’ as fans ‘work out’ surprise villager helps him

Emmerdale’s Tom King has been sent to prison – but fans are certain a villager is going to help try and escape in a shock twist

Emmerdale fans are certain Tom King will escape prison – with the help of a villager.

Over in the Dales this week, justice finally came calling for Tom (James Chase). Fans will recall how for the past year and a half, he has made wide Belle Dingle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) life hell, gaslighting her and controlling her every move.

One incident saw Belle attack Tom with an axe in self-defence, and despite being hesitant at first, Belle reported Tom to the police for his abuse over the past year.

During Thursday’s episode (December 19), Tom’s trial took place – with Tom on trial for coercive controlling behaviour and assault. On the stand, Belle revealed the truth about the abuse he put her through.

**Tom was sent to prison for three years** (Image: ITV)

Tom meanwhile, continued to lie, spinning a false narrative whenever he could. Throughout the powerful instalment, viewers saw jurors Heidi (Denise Welch) and Karl (Charles Dale), come to blows over who was telling the truth.

Heidi was quick to come to Belle’s defence but things look damning for Belle as Karl painted a grim picture of her violent past, and appeared sympathetic to Tom.

After much debate, the Jury headed back in to give their verdict the tension, Karl revealed the jury found Tom guilty of both charges of assault and controlling and coercive behaviour and he got a three-year custodial sentence.

However, fans now fear that the story is far from over. So much so, that they have predicted Tom will escape from prison – with the help of someone from the Dales.

**Fans reckon he could escape from prison**

“Not long enough, 3 years, should have been a lot more, amazing episode and absolutely fantastic acting from Belle,” said one person on an Emmerdale Facebook fan page.

Other fans replied, thinking Tom could make an escape from prison. A second person wrote: “I’m expecting him to break out of prison ngl.” A third penned: “I think someone will try and help him escape.” Another chimed in: “Amelia? She’s leaving and they could both run off together.” A fifth declared: “Her or his dodgy solicitor friend who he was blackmailing?”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm