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Bad thoughts today.

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Kt

Member since
January 2023

180 posts

Posted Wed February 22, 2023 2:23pmReport post

Just need a little rant..... I am just not sure how much more of the unknown I can take. The waiting is absolutely destroying me. Bail ends end of march and I know it will be extended (currently with cps since beginning of jan) feel like us and my teenage son (the offender) could cope with punishment but being in the press will destroy us. I also fear for my younger son (10) how people will treat him. My offending son is currently living with family member as he is not allowed to live with us and they are happy for this to be permanent which is great. We also have support from family and friends so I know we have a lot to be thankful for but I just can't shake the fear of the press. Sorry to go on moaning xx

Seaside

Member since
July 2022

558 posts

Posted Wed February 22, 2023 2:36pmReport post

Kt the waiting is just awful and I really feel for you.

Regarding the media ( and I think this is something that we all worry about) have you spoken to your solicitor about the impact that this would have on your younger son and requested that it should not be reported?

Also if your son's school are aware maybe ask whether the Headteacher would be willing to write a letter stating that this would have a detrimental effect on your son's school work and wellbeing?- I used to work in education and was asked to do this a few times.

Kt

Member since
January 2023

180 posts

Posted Wed February 22, 2023 2:43pmReport post

Hi Seaside, thank you for replying. We did ask solicitor and she said we can ask not to report address and picture but unfortunately she said this is not always agreed.

The school does know, I never even though about asking them for a letter, didn't enter my head this would be allowed. Thank you so much for that advice.

Would it be to asked for a closed court. I didn't think that was allowed now that my son has turned 18 before being charged? Xx

Edited Wed February 22, 2023 2:44pm

Seaside

Member since
July 2022

558 posts

Posted Wed February 22, 2023 2:48pmReport post

Hi Kt I'm not sure about asking for a closed court I'm afraid but I think you may be correct in that it is only for under 18

Newlady

Member since
April 2021

644 posts

Posted Thu February 23, 2023 7:02amReport post

We got told the same from solicitors. (my persons was useless) then the new barrister said yes, absolutely. It was to protect me and both our children and judge agreed. Maybe we were lucky, he also changed his name too. But luckily the judge was fair. You can also write a letter to judge yourself stating your worries. Xx

Seaside

Member since
July 2022

558 posts

Posted Thu February 23, 2023 10:10amReport post

I echo what Newlady has said.

I wrote a character reference for my son and stated that my own mental health had been impacted by the knock and that I was worried about media coverage .

We were very fortunate in that he was not asked to give an address at the plea hearing or at sentencing so nothing has appeared in the media ( I do still check although it has been 5 weeks now).

We moved to another area before sentencing so the sentencing took place in our old location and interestingly the visor here ( who is a bit of a thug) told us that had the case been heard here then it would have definitely been reported.

I would say that given the age of your younger child there are very valid reasons for this not to be reported and you should maybe contact your M.P. as well for support

Kt

Member since
January 2023

180 posts

Posted Thu February 23, 2023 11:59amReport post

Thank you so much Seaside and Newlady. I will most definitely be asking for it not to be reported on and pray the judge agrees xxx