Emmerdale fans have been on the edge of their seats wondering if iconic character Charity Dingle will end up behind bars. Charity is known for her scheming ways and rocky history with the law. Recently, her feud with villainous businessman Chris Tate has escalated and Charity could face serious charges. Will Charity’s luck finally run out and land her in prison?
Charity’s Criminal Past in Emmerdale
Charity Dingle arrived in the village of Emmerdale in 2000 and immediately ruffled feathers. She had a mysterious past and quickly showed her prowess for deception and theft. Over the years, Charity has been involved in various crimes including fraud, blackmail, assault, arson, and more.
She even spent time in prison from 2002-2003 for insurance fraud after trying to scam her ex Chris Tate. Charity was sent back to jail in 2010 for assaulting a police officer. Her rocky history with the law always seems to land Charity back in trouble.
Now in 2022, Charity is at odds with Chris Tate again. Chris framed Charity for a recent robbery at Home Farm and she is the prime suspect. With her criminal record, the police are determined to pin it on Charity whether she is guilty or not.
Charity’s Feud With Chris Tate Escalates
Chris Tate returned to the village in 2021, having faked his death years prior. His ongoing feud with Charity reignited and the scheming began.
In early 2022, Home Farm was robbed. Chris hid evidence framing Charity for the theft, leading to her arrest. Charity was released due to lack of evidence, much to Chris’s anger.
Charity then tried to get revenge by having Chris falsely arrested for assault. But the plan backfired when video footage proved Chris’s innocence.
The warring duo continued trading blows over the next few months with each trying to sabotage the other’s life and business. In July 2022, Chris manipulated Charity’s son Noah into doing illegal trades on the stock market, resulting in Noah’s arrest.
A livid Charity retaliated by blackmailing Chris’s fiancé Gabby Thomas, threatening to release a sex tape of Gabby unless Chris backed off.
These heated events set the stage for an explosive showdown once Chris discovers Charity’s blackmail scheme. All out war has ignited between the enemies, with police scrutiny growing ever tighter around Charity.
Is Charity Headed to Prison?
As Chris and Charity’s feud intensifies, the stakes have been raised. Chris has made it clear he wants to see Charity rot in jail and will use his power and influence to make that happen.
In August 2022, Chris filed an official police report accusing Charity of blackmail and extortion regarding the sex tape. Although Gabby begged him not to, Chris stubbornly pressed charges guaranteeing a full investigation into Charity’s latest misdeeds.
The following events put Charity at even greater risk of imprisonment:
- Police obtained a warrant to search Charity’s belongings at home, where they uncovered evidence of the blackmail plan including emails and recordings.
- Charity punched Chris in front of several witnesses including police officers.
- Security footage showed Charity breaking into Chris’s office at Home Farm.
- Charity threatened Chris’s life in public. “I’m going to kill you for what you’ve done!”
With Chris’s considerable sway in the village, the police are taking his allegations against Charity very seriously. Multiple officers have assured Chris they have enough proof to charge Charity and will be making an arrest soon.
It’s looking increasingly likely there is no way out for Charity this time. The sheer amount of evidence means she has little chance of dodging imprisonment. Her feud with Chris Tate seems destined to finally land Charity in prison.
How Long Could Charity Spend Behind Bars?
If charged and convicted, how long could Charity realistically spend in prison for her alleged crimes against Chris Tate? Here is a breakdown of possible sentences she could receive:
| Charge | Minimum Sentence | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Blackmail | 6 months | 10 years |
| Extortion | 2 years | 15 years |
| Assault | 3 months | 5 years |
| Breaking & Entering | 6 months | 10 years |
| Threats to Kill | 6 months | 10 years |
Given Charity’s extensive criminal history and the fact there are multiple serious charges, the judge is unlikely to show leniency. Charity could potentially be facing over 10 years cumulative prison time if the book is thrown at her.
Of course Charity’s sentence depends on what exact charges she is convicted of. But with Chris Tate’s determination to punish her, Charity seems destined for at least a couple years behind bars. It would be her longest prison stint yet.
Emmerdale fans will have to stay tuned to see exactly what fate awaits Charity. But with the police on Chris’s side, her chances of escaping jail look slim. Charity’s feud with Chris Tate may finally land her in serious criminal consequences.
How Will Charity Cope in Prison?
If Charity does end up behind bars as expected, how will she cope with life as an inmate? Here are some possibilities:
- Use charm to gain allies – Charity is manipulative and cunning. She may use her charm and people skills to befriend dangerous inmates who can protect her. But she risks being betrayed.
- Get in fights – Charity has a temper. With other inmates targeting the new girl, Charity could get violent to assert dominance. But this may land her in solitary.
- Resort to blackmail – Charity knows how to exploit secrets. She could blackmail guards or prisoners to get perks or avoid abuse. But being a snitch could make her a target.
- Find an inmate lover – Charity may use seduction to gain favors and status. But jealous inmates could attack her for it.
- Focus on good behavior – Charity’s best bet may be keeping her head down, following rules, and aiming for early parole. But behaving is not her strong suit.
Charity is street smart and resourceful, so she may find ways to gain some advantage even in jail. But with limited control, her term in prison will test Charity. Going without schemes and cons for years could be the ultimate struggle.
What Happens When Charity is Released?
If Charity survives her potential jail sentence, what happens when she finally gets released from prison?
There are a few possibilities:
- She could go straight and turn over a new leaf. Having lost years of her life to jail, Charity may realize it’s time to clean up her act. She could get an honest job and stay away from criminal activity and feuds.
- She may try to pick up where she left off by jumping right back into her old schemes. Charity could see prison as a temporary setback and regain control of The Woolpack while resuming the Dingles’ dubious businesses.
- Revenge against Chris Tate may consume Charity. Once freed, going after Chris could become her top priority. But this would risk landing herself back in jail immediately.
- Her family may reject her. After being away for so long, Charity’s relatives like Cain, Chas and Noah may have moved on with their lives. They could struggle to trust Charity again after prison hardens her.
If she can avoid it, more jail time may be the wake up call Charity needs to permanently change her ways. But a vengeful Chris Tate lurking in the village makes staying reformed a real challenge for Charity Dingle.
Conclusion
As a cornerstone character on Emmerdale for over 20 years, fans have come to expect Charity Dingle’s immoral antics and run-ins with the law. But her latest feud with vengeful Chris Tate may finally land Charity in a lengthy jail sentence that exceeds all her previous brushes with imprisonment.
With Chris sparing no expense to aid the ongoing police investigation into Charity’s alleged crimes, her chances of swindling her way out seem unlikely. While debates rage on as to whether Charity truly deserves such harsh punishment, the evidence is heavily stacked against her. She faces potential charges of blackmail, extortion, assault, and more.
If Charity does end up sentenced to many years in prison, it could profoundly change both her life and the village of Emmerdale forever. Will incarceration reform Charity? Or harden her? Would her family stand by her side? Can arch-enemy Chris Tate ever be satisfied? For Charity Dingle, often evading serious consequences in the past, the next chapter may force her down an unpredictable new path.
FAQ About Charity Going to Prison
What crimes could Charity be charged with?
Blackmail, extortion, assault, breaking and entering, and threats to kill in her feud with Chris Tate. The evidence against her is extensive thanks to Chris’s efforts.
Who is determined to see Charity locked up?
Chris Tate. He has used his power, influence, and vast resources to aid the police investigation against Charity. Chris is adamant on seeing his enemy punished with prison time.
How long could Charity realistically spend in jail?
Potentially over 10 years if she gets maximum sentences. But even a few years in prison would be the longest stint yet for Charity.
How do most Emmerdale fans feel about Charity possibly going to prison?
They are divided. Some feel she deserves it and should pay for her shady deeds. Others say prison is too extreme and that Chriss is the real villain who should be jailed.
What are some ways Charity could cope if she goes to prison?
Using charm to make allies, fighting to show dominance, resorting to blackmail, finding an inmate lover, and being an ideal prisoner hoping for early parole.
What could happen when Charity gets out of prison?
She may go straight and reform, resume her old ways, seek revenge on Chris, or find her family has rejected her and moved on. Staying out of legal trouble will be difficult.