Family and Friends Forum

Like most of you here, this came as a massive shock to us. On Friday I had a text from my adult son's girl friend. He had been sentenced to 12 months for cat abc images and online grooming. She said he'd been stung, but we doubt this. He'd been arrested 18 months ago and told us it was for cannabis possession. He's subsequently been charged, bailed, found guilty and sentenced. She is down as his contact. I think he was expecting a suspended sentence as he went to court unprepared, no clothes, no medication, no money. So far no contact, no details, no prison number. We live in a smal town, I work with kids, so a fun meeting with the dsl on Tuesday. He lived in the next town, a bit rough and lots of vigilante groups. We went to his ha property this morning and cleared out anything of use or value.
I just feel so sick. He's autistic and has had a pretty tough time but was settled, had a job, nice house. But he's got so much debt too. He also identifies as trans (I'm not getting into the politics of it here, but agree this increases his vulnerability (I won't say she, sorry.) We are terrified for us as well, if it gets out at work, I don't know if I can stay. He can't ever come here (live across from a school.) His siblings have disowned him. I am tempted, but he is still my son. He intends moving to his gfs after release, but that's a long way off. He's screwed up any job chances, any chance of a secure life, any family, apart from us, and when will we ever see him? (Do we want to?)

and then the practicalities- his tenancy, his debt, getting clothes to him (I've read up and will call a helpline Tuesday)

And the key thing, how dare he do this? He's been brought up with morals and to respect women, how dare he do this to a child?
sorry for the rant, I've written and rewritten this. I just feel so sad at a wasted life, sad for blighted lives, so scared and angry.