Harold Dorning is the owner of a shoe factory which was burned down on the orders of his son Robert Dorning for the insurance money. When Robert had Mike McDugan kill an employee, Karen Whatney, when she realized what happened, and then harassed several witness, Robert tried to blame Harold for everything.
Harold was ultimately absolved of suspicion, but he still wanted Robert to have a lenient sentence in spite of his crime and disregard for the family business. (L&O: "Menace")