Family and Friends Forum

Lost in the dark

Member since
November 2024

78 posts

We are almost post three weeks since sentencing, however it feels a world away.

My son left court with a two year community order, SHPO and the usual five years on the register.

That first evening was relief it was finally over, however we waited for the local press to report their events. They did, the following day.

What followed, felt like hell. That evening the small town we live in got their claws out on social media. I don't have any accounts so had nothing to remove myself from, however my daughter read them.

And this is where it ended.

that was it.

since that evening our lives have slipped back to the very place we were before the knock almost three years ago.

We no longer live with the weight of court and even prison hanging over us. My son has had two very constructive meetings with the probation service, who have been incredibly supportive.

And today, after obtaining his CSCS card days before sentencing, he secured a full time job with a construction company today.

I really hope others have positives after this nightmare and can begin to rebuild xx

Posted Fri April 4, 2025 10:49pmReport post

Inturmoil1974

Member since
November 2022

395 posts

Well done to your son getting a job time to rebuild and put this behind you, I remember the media so well but like you say once it was out there that was it

Posted Sun April 6, 2025 3:44pmReport post

Caggie164

Member since
October 2023

355 posts

Such a good positive story and I wish your son the best of luck . We are two weeks post sentence. Suspended. My person was reported in the media and social media. Similar to you . Lots of keyboard warriors. So far no repercussions. He's been able to go about his day and hasn't had any bother. Fingers crossed this continues. Xx

Posted Mon April 7, 2025 4:42pmReport post

Sadmum54

Member since
June 2025

2 posts

This is encouraging to hear. I worried about repercussions too but nothing has happened yet.

Posted Mon June 2, 2025 9:51pmReport post

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2741 posts

Oh wow - stories like this are so very uplifting and give us hope. Thankyou so much for sharing and well done on the job front x

Posted Wed June 4, 2025 4:21amReport post

Lost in the dark

Member since
November 2024

78 posts

Thank you all x

We are approaching 3 months post sentencing and we continue to move forward.

My son continues to work, has made summer plans and completing community service with what appear to be a "nice" group of individuals. Strange but they all have a story and are genuinely getting on with the work. Putting up fencing for a local event, cutting grass and tidying local churches.



The probation officer continues to work well with him, meetings he continues to attend weekly.



This awful situation started almost three years ago to the day and attending work every day wiping away tears to smile, I never felt pain like it.



I supported my son and hugged him the night before sentencing and reassured him we would be ok and despite all of the truely horiffic social media comments we are ok.

I wish all of the best for each of you xx

Posted Wed June 4, 2025 8:11pmReport post

Smile through tears

Member since
September 2021

2741 posts

It gets better - so proud of you and your son.

I have always been torn in my decision to stick by my son - it was a hard decision to make and has been a hard one to keep.

i hate and despise what he did, it was totally unforgivable but it's not his whole being. I've accepted other people's stance on their views - but I have my views too and they matter like anyone else's.

i pry - like yours - when released from prison he gets a job and can move forward to rebuild his life.

stories like yours give me hope xxx

Posted Thu June 5, 2025 4:35am
Edited Thu June 5, 2025 4:36amReport post

Quick exit