Family and Friends Forum

Hey Jake,

Sorry you find yourself in this situation .

Well done for picking up the phone to stop it now- they were a massive help to me in the early days. My husbands duty solicitor said the same to him about custodial sentence and actually we are just waiting for his no further action papers. When looking at cases it's a massive mix of factors but custodial sentence for a single image whatever the category would seem harsh especially if first offence.

Have you managed to have a full conversation with your son yet, is there likely to be more the police sill find through forensic checking of the phone?

If hes been upfront and honest with you and them then that always goes in favour.

We are 18 months post knock now for a single sordid conversation and our life is back on track. U dint wake up with the fear of the police knocking our door anymore and noises in the night outside dont keep me up for hours. The main thing you can do is get your lad help, when hes ready to accept help. Counselling did alot for my husband alongside anti depressants. Hes now off them and no longer in counselling as they have worked through as much as they can.

Take care

Ttkit

Also to answer your question about process.

Electronics will be forensic checked, if any additional evidence is found son will be called to another interview. Once all interviews are done the case will be passed to CPS for a charging decision. If there is a case to answer in the view of CPS, charges will be issued by police either in person, over phone or letter. Magistrates court first and then normally goes to crown court.

Timescales wise seems to depend on where you are in the country ranging from 3 months to nearly 3 years I have seen one case.



Ttkit

Perhaps they mention prison sentence since that is the worst case for having a Cat A(I believe). But just because that is the top penalty doesn't mean it will be the outcome. There are multiple factors the judge will look at when sentencing.

But a court date is likely to be a long while I am afraid. It is still early days for your son. I recommend they get in touch with Lucy faithful if not done so already to see what available courses or material is out there to start rehabilitation. This will help them understand what led them down this path and how to stop it happening again. They will need as much support as possible. There is also material and support for parents, partners and family to help you through too.

By your son showing they are making efforts to not reoffend that may help reduce a sentence. He needs to be proactive, the authorities don't hand out support from what I have seen. Use this forum to see what others have experienced and we are all friendly and do not judge.



Hugs

Hi Jake

Re the comments of your sons solicitor, from my perspective that was hardly supporting advice from someone who's paid to defend your son. If it wax a duty solicitor I would be very weary as they are normally very pally with police investigators. It not what there supposed to do..

If you can Google solicitors who are experts in sexual offences legislation... Do not rely on a half wit... My partner used a duty solicitor and his use was as good as a chocolate tea pot... His summoning up in court over shadowed the prosecution... He practically crusified my partner.. Its something I will never forget...

Best wishes

Hey Jake,



I'm so sorry for the situation you're in.



I'm new to all of this and haven't rung the helpline yet, but I understand that the Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF) are the charity here and that Stop It Now! is their helpline for people to ring. I think it's that helpline 0808 1000 900 that will give you the advice and guidance, and explain what services the charity can offer your son.



I wish you all the best x

There are two courses available. One for offenders and one for family and partners. The family one is free and runs for 5 week's, the other is about 700 but payment plans are available on request. There is some online material I think on stop it now for offenders to look at.

My partner did the course and highly recommends it. He really needed the professional help and perspective to understand his triggers and they also help understand the legal process. They also had people come in to discuss their experience.