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Worldupsidedown

Member since
April 2023

12 posts

Posted Tue May 2, 2023 1:34pmReport post

Hi all,

Stumbled across this forum searching for help and it's been a lifeline.

my son is 19 and we had the knock in January this year. We were absolutely devastated, they seized his devices and explained they were examining them and told him to "carry on life as normal" he's just started university last year and seems to be managing ok. We're not coping too well.



Fast forward to last week, he's been requested to attend a voluntary Interview. I'm not sure what this will throw up. After reading posts on this forum it seems very quick as some wait months/ years. My son is adamant he's downloaded one image by mistake and didn't view it. Police mentioned at the time of seizing his devices "uploading cat A image". He's not on bail and said he wasn't arrested. Our world has flipped upside down.



We also have two younger children at home. Social Services called when the devices were seized and took no further action as our son lives away at university. But is to have no contact with his siblings while investigations are underway. It's a mess. We want to believe him but equally are worried sick for him and potential consequences.



Has anybody got any idea what the voluntary interview will entail. He has seen a solicitor but no advice was given as they've not had any communication with police. They did agree to attend the interview with him next week.



Any advice would be greatly received x

Bitterbean

Member since
December 2021

637 posts

Posted Tue May 2, 2023 11:47pmReport post

World upside down

Don't let your son have any conversation /informal chat/interview without a solicitor!

I'm sure others on this forum will be able to give you advice on Social services.

The general discussion section carries more chat and I'm sure will get you more responses

Worldupsidedown

Member since
April 2023

12 posts

Posted Fri May 12, 2023 10:47pmReport post

Bitterbean thank you so much for your reply.



We arranged a solicitor to attend with him. He's not tellling us much and said he will hear back from police in due course. I'm doubtful we are getting the full story now and due to his age we aren't being updated by police.



Hopefully he will open up to us as if he remains under investigation I'm not sure where he will live over the summer months as halls close and Social services said we must not allow contact with his siblings. We've contacted the uni and requested they keep an eye on him and support as able. He's denying any low mood and I wonder if he understands the seriousness of this. Hoping for answers soon so we know what we are dealing with.



Thank you again

Bitterbean

Member since
December 2021

637 posts

Posted Mon May 15, 2023 6:53pmReport post

Worldupsidedown

There are others here on this forum who are parents of people who have been arrested for these offences. If you haven't already, have a read through the general discussion section (which is much more busy) and if you have any questions, the other mums and dads in your situation may be able to give additional advice.

Hope you can find something suitable for your son over the summer. I think the separation of men from their families when there is no evidence of any harmful behaviour towards family, is so cruel and isolating, and I can't think how it helps them get their lives in order without support.