Taggart - Murder at the fertility clinic

8 January 2008 @ 9-10.30pm on ITV1

One of Glasgow's most controversial fertility treatment centres plays host to DCI Burke and the team when patient Julie Pierce is found brutally murdered on her way from an appointment.

A visit to the clinic exposes Burke and Reid to the harsh reality of 'peaceful protest' as they come face to face with Rev. George Stanford and his congregation's angry demonstrations.

Mistaking Reid for a new patient, over-enthusiastic protester Brian Murray tries his luck and aims an egg in her direction. He's reigned in by Burke but has done his group no favours. If this is how new patients are treated, what happens to existing ones?

At the centre doctors Hursey and Skinner reveal Pierce's treatment was going well whilst Staff Nurses Kim Whitley and Wilma Cunningham are shaken by the news. However, on their departure Burke and Reid spot the two nurses rowing and a quick check on Wilma's past proves interesting.

Meanwhile DC Fraser's investigations into Pierce's phone records reveal a threatening voicemail left by Suzi Morrison, a patient who had been refused treatment by Hursey and Skinner. Bitter at the rejection she claims Pierce's treatment was only accepted after a hefty payment – but before Burke can investigate further, Nurse Whitley is found murdered.

Time is running out for the team as they struggle to piece together the evidence, until Skinner comes forward with information linking his partner Hursey to Rev. Stanford. Could it be possible that Stanford is actually in league with the very woman he claims is his nemesis?

As CCTV footage comes to light of egg-throwing Murray entering the clinic late at night, the links between Hursey and the Church grow stronger. But what secrets are those responsible trying to protect, and can the team catch the killer before a third victim is claimed?