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Distribution

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7393hlb

Member since
October 2021

20 posts

Posted Wed October 6, 2021 3:48pmReport post

I am finding this forum to be a great help recently to get my head around what is going on as I think I had just denied everything and tried to pretend it wasn't happening when my brother first had the knock 19 months ago. This time around the worry and the upset feels so overwhelming.



We have now been told (after his re arrest) that distribution has happened and they are now looking at his devices again for more evidence and cant say how long that will take.

Im just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience to ours and if distribution will always result in a custodial sentence?x

Sarah ??

Member since
January 2021

177 posts

Posted Wed October 6, 2021 4:41pmReport post

Hi,

It's so hard to predict. Custodial sentences are more likely the higher the category but even then it's not a given.

Do you know if there is a large amount? This will also play a role in sentencing.

I'd get enrolled on the inform plus course and do everything to increase mitigation.

majestictopaz

Member since
December 2019

499 posts

Posted Wed October 6, 2021 5:25pmReport post

There are many factors that play a part as to whether it is custodial. And it depends on the judge on the day to be honest.

My partner was sentenced for possession and distribution, and got a suspended sentence. These were for all three types of categories. I think that if images were shared with someone believed to be a child it would likely lean more to a communication offence, whereas distribution would be to other offenders or adults- I could be wrong.

Distribution isn't always to do with sending files as such. My partner being an idiot had a files saved in some sort of cloud system that could have been accessed by others.

He did the inform course, was very remorseful and I think this played a part in the suspension. But it felt very close to swinging the other way.

7393hlb

Member since
October 2021

20 posts

Posted Wed October 6, 2021 5:31pmReport post

Hello thank you for your reply

The police officer dealing with his case did say to me and my mum that there was a large amount and Ive been told it is of all categories unfortunately so knowing what we know we are prepared for the worst case scenario... I don't know if it would make any difference but he did attend some therapy sessions last year however the police officer said that it was too late for any of that to make a difference which is heartbreaking and hard to hear but at the same time he has done wrong so we can't argue.

I dunno.. Its just the waiting and not knowing what will happen or when is just so draining, my heart really goes out to everyone going through the same.x

Sarah ??

Member since
January 2021

177 posts

Posted Wed October 6, 2021 5:42pmReport post

There's absolutely no way the police officer has the right to say that. Anything that acknowledges his offending and the lead up, including therapy, can be used as defence. It's up to the judge whether is a valid mitigation. My ex has done the inform plus abd attended therapy. All of this, including a report from the therapist, has been submitted as defence.

Contact his solicitor they can advise on what to do next?

Judith

Member since
June 2021

195 posts

Posted Wed October 6, 2021 11:56pmReport post

Of course the issue of prosecution and sentencing are uppermost in our minds at this time and we know how important it is that the court can take mitigating factors into account. But the education and therapy that many of us and our partners undergo are vital if we are going to move forward safely and healthily and have any chance of recovery.

We had the knock 10 months ago and, though we have a long way to go (and who knows where we will end up?) on the emotional rollercoaster, I can honestly say I have seen a positive change in my husband's attitudes particularly since he engaged with the Inform course and psychotherapy. So however the court regards factors of mitigation I do feel Stop it Now and therapy (and one of two fantastic friends) have given us a stronger base for the future.

Best of luck to us all.

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2547 posts

Posted Thu October 7, 2021 4:29amReport post

Read with interest Lee your earlier comment on this / another thing I didnt realise at the time. The police told us my son could be looking at a prison sentence of at least 5 years. Yes surely this is wrong to say such a thing while investigations were on going. Of course at the time it lead to more stress for the family....

Edited Thu October 7, 2021 2:13pm

Carmela

Member since
November 2020

87 posts

Posted Thu October 7, 2021 2:55pmReport post

Yes police have also told us he well get a very lengthy sentence and have been so horrible about it I wouldn't believe a word they say tbh speak to a solicitor xx

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2547 posts

Posted Thu October 7, 2021 3:56pmReport post

Unfortunately my boy is in prison now. At the time your in the middle of such a nightmare it's hard to think straight and perhaps fight your corner.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing!! I've also learnt so much more since joining this forum....

Edited Thu October 7, 2021 4:02pm

Chelsea 1

Member since
June 2021

891 posts

Posted Thu October 7, 2021 7:37pmReport post

Hiya.

My hubby opened up to me and said that he sent around 20 vids/images total.

Xx