Second interview for my son. What now?
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Hi all, I am new here and trying to navigate what is happening. My son (19) attended his second interview today after evidence was retrieved from his phone after it was seized in April. A large number of images from all categories were found and he has been told he's looking at 3-5 years. He had told me, after the first interview, that he had been sent a link from someone on a WhatsApp group, which he subsequently clicked on and pressed "download" without realising what the contents were. As soon as he realised what it was he deleted everything and thought nothing else of it. He has struggled with his mental health for years but this has really impacted him severely and I am now having to check on him regularly. I am aware they need to send the phone away before a court date is given. I am also expecting a visit from SS as I have 4 other kids in the house (2 teens, 2 under 10) Can anyone help make sense of what happens next so I can start working on an action plan for both of us. He has a GP appointment and has contacted the stopitnow advice line so that's where we're at. Thank you for reading xx
Hi Barely,
I'm sorry you find yourself here. 3-5 years would be extremely rare for images for a first offence, either the police are trying to scare him or the solicitor isn't very experienced. Now he has had the second interview all the evidence will be sent to the CPS for them to decide on charges, this will likely take a few weeks (or months depending on the backlog). If the CPS decide to charge he will receive charges in the post, or delivered by the police or asked to collect them, it will also contain a date for plea hearing at magistrates. Depending on what he pleads will depend on the next steps. The solicitors should receive all the evidence once charges have been posted, it's important to go through the evidence to ensure there is nothing to question. Your son can ask for a copy of the evidence from the solicitors once they have it. If it gets to this stage there is lots of practical advice so please check back if so. You and your son aren't alone xx
I'm sorry you find yourself here. 3-5 years would be extremely rare for images for a first offence, either the police are trying to scare him or the solicitor isn't very experienced. Now he has had the second interview all the evidence will be sent to the CPS for them to decide on charges, this will likely take a few weeks (or months depending on the backlog). If the CPS decide to charge he will receive charges in the post, or delivered by the police or asked to collect them, it will also contain a date for plea hearing at magistrates. Depending on what he pleads will depend on the next steps. The solicitors should receive all the evidence once charges have been posted, it's important to go through the evidence to ensure there is nothing to question. Your son can ask for a copy of the evidence from the solicitors once they have it. If it gets to this stage there is lots of practical advice so please check back if so. You and your son aren't alone xx
Hi Barely, I'm sorry that you find yourself here but you're in the right place for help and support. Timeframes seem to differ wildly so I wouldn't think about that too much - we were 7 months from the knock to 2nd interview and 13 months from that to being charged.
If you can, find you yourself a solicitor that understands this particular issue, speak to the helpline and get your son onto one of the Stop it Now courses.
xx
If you can, find you yourself a solicitor that understands this particular issue, speak to the helpline and get your son onto one of the Stop it Now courses.
xx
My advice (with hindsight, a thing WE didn't do) is ask questions and stick strongly to your guns if you feel something is not correct. Go through it all with a fine tooth comb, not easy when your stressed and emotions are all over the place.
Take care x
Take care x
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Thank you all for your comments. It has been a roller-coaster of a weekend but I have a little more clarity on the situation. Initially I thought it was going to be worse but some new information has come to light and I have found out my son is a victim of grooming. Of course it doesn't change what was found on his phone but it does change the course of the next few weeks/months. I was not happy with the legal representation he had at the interview as I felt the person was very young and very inexperienced. Turns out they are still doing work placements! I'm angry for them being put on something of this nature and I'm angry for my son not having someone with more experience and knowledge. I will be looking into this and finding someone with a better understanding, who can better support my son. I am also working on an action plan for safeguarding and seeking therapy for both him and I. The advice and information here will be invaluable and I am grateful to have this place to ask questions without judgement xxx
Hello Barely
Thinking of you and your son and sending you lots of strength.
The helpline will be able to offer you and your son support through the course of this journey - it is very positive he has already made initial contact with them.
Stay strong
Thinking of you and your son and sending you lots of strength.
The helpline will be able to offer you and your son support through the course of this journey - it is very positive he has already made initial contact with them.
Stay strong
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