Hi Ivie

There was a journo lurking around before my son's trial - our lawyer told him 'just a few images' (if only it were that simple!) and he went off in search of something else. I was amazed, but admittedly there was a far more interesting trial going on the same day which helped.

Best of luck x

They are unlikely to be there in person, unless there is something unusual about the case, like an authority figure involved, teacher, police officer, politician etc.

More likely that they will pick the details up from the court reports later, but again it would need something noteworthy to make a story, like a large number of images for example.

My personal experience was, magistrates court - no press in attendance, but case reported on, crown court - press in attendance (sat by me), reported on. Name and street, town reported, all details, no photo.

For context, images, no communication, no particularly high amount of IIOC. I think it's very hit and miss and can't be predicted. Good luck

For us there was no media or press coverage, and no reporters at court, either plea or sentencing. Hope its the same for you! It was magistrates, not crown.

My son is being done for 1 image cat b likely community order do u think this will go in the media I'm so scared it's so minor solicitor said highly unlikely has anyone got any positive out cokes please for such low level it's also staying in the magistrates he's 23

It varies area to area. But generally if youre a nobody you go under the mat news wise.

We didnt have any media coverage for my husbands sentencing.

A reporter from our local newspaper attended plea hearing in person and reported the case on social media on the same day. For sentencing they attended virtually and again reported on the case the same day. The charge was communication.

Our worst fear has happened. It was our son's plea hearing, there must of been a journalist in the court room, so it's appeared online in our local paper and their Facebook page. The article shows his photo, includes our address and details about his offences. We've now discovered that his offending is more serious than he told us, also his offending has been going on a lot longer than he told us. Our son has a physical disability, a chronic health condition and a learning disability. He also has some autistic traits.

We do live in a 'nice' area, where people tend to mind their business, it's just the thought of people knowing. As for our son, he's too scared to go outside.

Stop It Now is such a fantastic support, that I'll be contacting them again on Monday.

So sorry to hear this. I hope it's yesterday's news very quickly and passes uneventfully for you all x

So sorry Upset parent :-(. Hope you soon get over the shock of the new information, that the neighbours mind their own business, and that LF can help you again....

I felt that I should post an update.

Following on from the media reporting on our son's plea hearing, they have since reported on his sentencing court appearance. He received a custodial sentence, so is now in prison. This is despite having extensive background reports, which highlighted his learning disability, physical disability, adverse childhood experiences and chronic health condition. All the professionals who have been helping us, were genuinely shocked at the sentence. His solicitor is already preparing an appeal.

We have visited him and were pleasantly surprised. The prison is modern, clean and the staff helpful. He seems to have adapted fairly well and feels safe. He's awaiting transfer to a sex offender unit, where he'll have more opportunities.



He did not feel safe at home, after it was reported in the media. We have had no backlash, only our lovely neighbour has been supportive. I have only let a few friends know and family, as we didn't want them to know via the media. We feel that as the public know that he's in prison, they will feel that he's received justice.

We're getting on with our lives, and utilising the fantastic support of Stop it Now.