Family and Friends Forum

Dealing With The Media

Notifications OFF

Sadmom80

Member since
July 2022

13 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 8:40amReport post

So I've finally decided to ask for some help, Our Journey with the knock began in Nov 2020.

Yesterday My son was finally sentenced with a 3 year community order and a 35 rehabilitation activity requirement... to say my emotions were all over the show is an understatement. But relief that he didnt get a custodial sentence which had been a possibility.

Today however I feel so sad as this has appeared in the local rag for all and sundrey to see and comment on and pass judgement !! How does this help, he will in all probability loose his job and become isolated as this is where it all came from with the 1st lockdown. I really am becoming concerned again for his mental health....

Even after the sentence it never ends

Jayjay

Member since
December 2021

695 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 8:44amReport post

Just replied to you on another thread.

Were media in court? Magistrates or crown? My oh was given suspended sentenced yesterday, no media in court but I am so nervous it will hit.

Discuss with his PO about support and mental health. Has he got a therapist/counsellor - get him booked in.

i really hope post sentencing that things get easier and we can start to rebuild our lives. Hugs x

Sadmom80

Member since
July 2022

13 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 10:52amReport post

Thanks Jay Jay, There was a reporter in the crown court and obviously I knew then that he was going to be in the papers. Where I live this is constantly in the local papers it seems they relish in others misfortune & it SELLS papers.

His first appointment with PO is next week so will need to discuss the possibility of a Therapist/counsellor...

Hugs to u to

Distressed and pregnant

Member since
November 2020

1000 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 11:43amReport post

Hi,

My person was reported in the media too, the day after I gave birth to our daughter. The article actually mentioned our unborn daughter which I found the hardest thing to deal with. Police had it removed from the local paper's social media and I believe they removed the original article from everywhere online but it was picked up by neighbouring towns newspapers too and a database website. Managed to get it removed from most of them, didn't contact the database site as appears to be run by vigilante types and I don't want any harm to come to my loved ones. Only backlash either of us have had is from someone I used to work with who shouted abuse at him. It does become old news very quickly. Sending hugs to you and your son xx

SAL

Member since
December 2021

895 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 11:46amReport post

Distressed and Pregnant, how did you go about getting it removed from the papers?

Distressed and pregnant

Member since
November 2020

1000 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 2:14pmReport post

I emailed the editors. Told them that I believed it went against their code of conduct as it identified my daughter. Some of the articles still show the headline when I search his name but it says link not found when you click to view it xx

Sadmom80

Member since
July 2022

13 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 2:28pmReport post

Hi Distressed & Pregnant,



I'm so sorry that happened to you on what should have been one of the happiest times in your life.

I realise already after just one day his story is no longer any where near the top of the list of crime reporting in this area. I hope people who saw it and know us will be kind and others who relish in others misfortune their opinion is of no consequenece to my family.

No one knows the back story to any of our peoples journey's .

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2550 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 2:47pmReport post

It really is heartbreaking, these men are being punished every day and going through hell. To me the media represents a public flogging.

Why do their cases remain on platforms too? How can this help as they struggle to get their lives back and work to rehabilitate. It's a noose round the necks of their innocent families too.

Keep it on so long then erase, it serves no purpose for offenders or victims.

Edited Fri July 8, 2022 2:48pm

AnotherMum

Member since
January 2022

75 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 4:27pmReport post

Smile,

Quite agree.

My son's case hit the media both at his plea hearing and sentencing. We've quite a distinctive name so he's changed his to avoid the 'Google' effect.

Hopefully this will help him moving forward.

Hugs to everyone in this unholy mess xxxx

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2550 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 5:29pmReport post

Post deleted by user


Edited Mon July 11, 2022 4:37am

Sadmom80

Member since
July 2022

13 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 5:39pmReport post

Hi Another Mum,



How difficult was it for your son to change his name ?

I havent really considered that as a possibility

AnotherMum

Member since
January 2022

75 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 6:04pmReport post

Hi Sadmum

Not very difficult, just time consuming.

If he has two people who are not related and are prepared to act as witnesses, it can be done very cheaply using online deed polls. In my son's case, he didn't so we had to do a Statutory Declaration using solicitors.

After that paperwork is done, it's just a matter of going through all the bureaucracy to change bank accounts, driving licence, passport and everything else

Don't forget if it is post sentencing to report the changes to the police for the SOR. Xxx

Sadmom80

Member since
July 2022

13 posts

Posted Fri July 8, 2022 6:38pmReport post

Thanks so much for that information I think it is something I need to look into as like you my son has a very unusual surname maybe now is the time to ditch it.

I worry it will single him out for abuse we live in a very small town