I'm so sorry you find yourself in such a devestating place. It was my grandson who was also 17 at the time. I hope the Police do hurry things in your sons case sadly for us it was two years before grandsons phone was even looked at. Once we knew it was going to court we paid for a solicitor they told us if grandson had been on a course regarding his behaviour that would help his case somewhat neither of the two duty solicitors he had had mentioned that so a good idea to look at getting that sorted. The paid solicitor also said they are seeing & dealing with this every day with young lads so don't think your alone, the Internet has a lot to answer for. As I said I hope it is all dealt with swiftly but look after your sons mental health maybe arrange some councilling for him.

Is his life? ruined sadly if convicted it does make a big difference but it does settle back into normality just slightly different. Let's hope they decide not to procecute.

Hello At Sea



I am so sorry that you and your son find yourself here. I remember the early days as being really awful as you try and process the trauma that has happened. Try and make sure you are taking care of yourself so you can be there for your son.

The young person inform course that Stop it Now run could be beneficial for your son. If you haven't spoken to the helpline yet, it is worth considering as they can support you and your son throughout this journey.

Is your son able to talk to you about what has happened? It is such a shock to you all so sometimes this takes time.

There is a useful post on this website on PTSD, which I will try and locate and let you know where you can find it.

Thinking of you and your son

Just to let you know PTSD resources can be found in the LFF Posts, news and updates section. You may find this useful to you and your son.

I'm so sorry and really feel for you, it is the most horrible experience.

We are out the other side now, I remember the feeling well that my sons life is over and he has no future now etc... It might just look a little different, but he can get help and come through this.

I just wanted to say if you have any questions feel free to message me. Thinking of you x

Crushed thank you for a little light at the end of the tunnel. We're nearly 6 months post knock and still waiting. My son was just 18 when arrested. Do you mind me asking how old your son was/ is and how he's getting on, if similar age? If easier can message you!

At Sea - I really feel for you, we're nearly 6 months on with my 18yo. It's a terrible shock to begin with and you'll go through so many emotions. Mine had to move out because of younger siblings which has been - and remains - one of the hardest parts along with the uncertainty. I really hope they can move quickly for your son as once they're 18 they come under the adult system which is pretty brutal. It's all a nightmare we wish we could wake up from but it does get a bit easier as the shock subsides. Take lots of care.

Hey yes of course feel free to message me. My son was only 15 at time of the knock, he is 17 now. We had a good outcome, but it was such a difficult experience. Thinking of you x

Am so glad you had a good outcome in the end, and hope your son is doing ok now. It's such a traumatic experience for them at critical age. I think the outcome for us will be constrained by his age and the adult system but we try and stay hopeful that there is some sense in the system despite all the horror stories. One day at a time!