Robert worries for Aaron after learning Chas has kicked him out. He tells Chas that Aaron has been cutting himself because of Gordon but refuses to tell her what Gordon did to Aaron. Later Robert finds out Aaron finally told Chas about his rape. Aaron goes to the police and takes time away from the village to get his head together, Robert helps out at the scrapyard to support him. Chas enlists Robert's help to speed things up but grows impatient and vandalises Gordon's car by spraying "Paedo" on it. Robert explains that this isn't helping and takes her home. Robert manages to track down Aaron's stepmother Sandra Livesy (Joanne Mitchell) who has changed her name to Flaherty. He and Aaron go to see if she can help. Arriving there Aaron needs some time to pluck up the courage to say what he needs to so he and Robert take a walk which leads to them reconnecting, but they agree to take things slow. A young thief tries to make off with Aaron's wallet and Robert gives chase earning him a knee to the groin. They later learn that the thief is Aaron's half-sister Liv Flaherty (Isobel Steele). Aaron pleads with Sandra to help him and, after initially feigning ignorance, Aaron works out that she knew about the abuse the whole time. He grows angry with his former stepmother but she still refuses to help him. Back at the Woolpack Aaron is fearful that he has ruined his chances of convicting his father. The police inform Aaron that another male victim has come forward. It is revealed that Robert is paying Gordon's neighbour Ryan (George Sampson) to lie that Gordon abused him as well. After Gordon accuses Chas of paying Ryan, Robert confesses to Chas that he was the person who found Ryan to help in Aaron's case. Two days later Ryan arrives at the pub. Aaron sees Robert talking to Ryan and asks who he is. Robert is forced to admit Ryan is the second 'victim'. Robert tries to explain to Aaron that he did it for him to get justice but Aaron leaves upset and furious. Aaron tells him if the case falls apart he will blame it on him.