Justine Welles
Justine Welles | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 1997–2000 |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Justine Welles is a character created for the Australian soap opera Home and Away, portrayed by actress Bree Desborough. Her first appearance was on 5 June 1997, and she departed the series on 7 April 2000.
Casting
Desborough secured her initial regular television role with the character of Justine. Originally introduced as a guest, filming commenced in March 1997, and she was promoted to a full-time cast member the following month. In January 2000, Desborough publicly confirmed her decision to leave Home and Away.
Development
Justine's storyline includes a difficult background with her brother Aaron (Richie Gudgeon), marked by struggles with substance abuse. Upon arriving in Summer Bay in 1997, she professes sobriety and a desire to start anew. Nonetheless, her battle with addiction persists until she is taken into foster care by Pippa Ross (Debra Lawrance). Beneath her hardened demeanor, Justine shows moments of fragility during this phase.
In 1999, Justine became central to a major plot where she faced accusations of murdering Ruby Collins (portrayed by Brittany Jones and later Sian Tierney), drawing inspiration from real-life events such as the Louise Woodward case. While babysitting to earn money, Justine notices unexplained bruises on Ruby but is ignored by the child's parents. After Ruby falls into a coma and dies, Justine is charged with assault. The prosecution's case hinges on her failure to report the injuries, resulting in a manslaughter conviction and incarceration.
Eventually, Ruby’s mother confesses that her husband was responsible for their daughter's death, leading to Justine’s release from prison. Desborough remarked that Justine felt too drained to experience relief or celebration.
Following her release, Justine endures public scrutiny from the media and betrayal by her mother Sharon (Shayne Francis), who attempts to profit from her story. Desborough explained that Justine harbors deep mistrust towards journalists and experiences conflicted emotions regarding her mother. Although the storyline was demanding, Desborough valued the opportunity for complex acting but anticipated less intense narratives moving forward.
Storylines
Upon arriving in Summer Bay, Justine deceives Marilyn Fisher (Emily Symons) and her stepdaughter Rebecca by claiming her infant requires urgent hospital care, manipulating them for taxi fare. Aaron, her brother, questions why she is in town. It soon becomes apparent that Justine struggles with heroin addiction, resorting to theft from Aaron’s guardians Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) and Ailsa Stewart (Judy Nunn). Attempting to prove she has changed, she organizes a charity event featuring boxer Kostya Tszyu but secretly purchases drugs afterwards. When Aaron confronts her about drug use, she denies it. Duncan Stewart finds syringes under Justine’s bed, prompting Alf to demand she leave. Aaron tries to assist by disposing of her drugs but is arrested after dropping them at a diner. Following Aaron’s refusal of further help, Justine departs Summer Bay.
She returns weeks later as Pippa Ross's foster child and begins dating dealer Danny Mackson. Despite warnings from others, she ignores concerns until Danny assaults Sam Marshall (Ryan Clark). Justine persuades foster sister Tiegan Brook (Sally Marrett) to shoplift, causing further issues. Alf catches Justine stealing from his bait shop and exposes her wrongdoing. Feeling alienated, she steals a boat during Cyclone Raymond but is saved by Ian Routledge (Patrick Dickson).
Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten) expresses romantic interest in Justine; however, Pippa disapproves of their relationship. After Pippa leaves Summer Bay, Rebecca and her husband Travis Nash (Nic Testoni) assume responsibility for Justine, Tiegan, and Sam. When Justine asks if Vinnie can stay overnight at their home, Rebecca consents despite community backlash. Vinnie declines and admits he is still a virgin. Later, Justine ends their relationship after developing feelings for Tom Nash (Graeme Squires) during rehearsals for a Year 11 production of Romeo and Juliet.
While babysitting Steve (Don Halbert) and Wendy Collins’ (Jayne Leslie) baby Ruby, who later suffers a fatal fall, Justine is arrested and charged with manslaughter. Her mother Sharon resurfaces and records a confession from Justine admitting guilt in Ruby’s death. Sharon’s testimony at trial results in Justine’s conviction and imprisonment. A week later, Steve confesses responsibility for Ruby’s injuries, leading to Justine’s release.
After completing her HSC exams, Justine secures a role in a play. The director Curt Bacon (Michael Rowan) spends excessive time rehearsing with her in anticipation of a nude scene. Detecting his inappropriate intentions, Justine improvises during performances to expose him. Shortly afterward, she receives an acting job offer and departs Summer Bay several weeks later.
Reception
Desborough's interpretation of Justine garnered her a nomination for "Most Popular New Talent" at the 1998 Logie Awards.