Family and Friends Forum

Fatso

Member since
November 2019

107 posts

Posted Sun July 12, 2020 9:23pmReport post

My son has a court date in september for arranging to meet un under 16 year old.This has taken almost 11 months since he was arrested.Does anyone know what the outcome migt be. Ie Police sting- he was set up.

majestictopaz15

Member since
December 2019

371 posts

Posted Mon July 13, 2020 11:23amReport post

Unfortunately it isn't always clear what the exact outcome may be. The judges have the law to state the minimum and maximum allowed sentencing. From what I have seen on the forum those who arrange to meet seem to be more likely of a tougher sentence because the offender showed intent in pursuing a contact offence.

But the judge can factor in mitigation factors. If your son has worked hard with rehabilitation that can can go in their favour. The solicitor will be best to advise. I suggest prepare for the worst (ie prison), like how their finances will be dealt with etc, but hope for the best (suspended sentence).



Sending hugs

mjl73

Member since
August 2019

240 posts

Posted Tue July 14, 2020 1:11pmReport post

As with IIOC sentences there is a massive variety in sentancies for communication / grooming offences. Your solicitor can advise on what the sentencing guidelines are. There are always circumstances that can influence it, how long the communication was going on for, the contents of that communication etc.

Currently the sentencing guidelines do not differentiate between a decoy (police or otherwise) or not. However there was a decoy case that went to appeal as was downgraded as a result. Again, best to seek legal advice on it.

A community order seems less likely for communication offences especially if there was an arrangement to meet, which seems to turn it into a grooming offence.

My husband got 16 months suspended, but others have got 4 years custodial. So definitely be prepared for the worse case scenario and it being a custodial.

Flossy

Member since
February 2020

84 posts

Posted Tue July 14, 2020 6:07pmReport post

Hi, like everyone else has said I think the sentence obvs depends on the circumstances, the content, how long it was going on for and probably the judge on the day! Some cases get a suspended sentence, some a prison sentence I don't know how they choose, I would prepare yourself for the worst just in case. 11 months seems a long time for a police decoy sting to be dragged along for, but it also may depend on where you live in the country.

My partner was arrested, put on remand and sentenced nearly 2 months later this year during lockdown, he had been talking sexually to a underage teenager online for approximately 2 weeks, it was a police decoy. He also arranged to meet them which I think makes it worse and you are probably looking at a prison sentence for it. He got a 4 year sentence 2 in prison 2 out on license.

your solicitor should be able to give you a guideline sentence.