Family and Friends Forum

Hi ocean I can understand how you must be feeling I didn't go with my husband because I was worried about media being there and socail were scaring me but also someone from socail did turn up and took notes if you wanted to support he and go with him you can go with him and wait outside but some people want to hear for them self the outcome which can be very hard not easy thing to do to be honest x

Ocean 13

I went when my son was sentenced, did I regret it not atall as hard as it was ( I was on my own) I wanted to be there for him x

There is no right or wrong so dont put any pressure on yourself to go, it's a really difficult process to sit through, this is your decision alone xx

Hugs sent x

I went to court with my son but not into the courtroom itself - I didn't want to hear details. My relationship with him at that time was very difficult and I was very angry with him so I thought if I heard too much it would break things for ever.

No regrets about my decision but do what feels right for you x

I was there in magistrates with my husband it was the worse day of my life but I don't think he would of been able to get through it without me by his side if you ask solicitor if media is there they will tell you our solicitor was excellent x

I did go to sentencing with my husband. I don't have any regrets as I needed to hear everything. The media were there but strangely have never reported on it. It's been nearly 6 months now. The prosecutor and the judge were both very kind so I think it didn't make great news.

I went to court and into the court room for sentencing with my son. I paced the floor before he was called in! The atmosphere is strange. I was sat on my own which was a reminder of how lonely this journey had been. I did get emotional to which the lady reporting for the local press passed me a tissue! The prosecution were relentless and even shook their head when the points of mitigation were read out by my sons barrister. I was glad I attended, however for everyone this will be different xx

I went into court for my sons sentencing and have no regrets. The media only printed the prosecutions side of the story so I was pleased I'd heard everything that was said. It was very hard to be there but it was what my son wanted.

Going to the sentencing is a good way to find out the facts if you think your person has been economical with the truth. However, be prepared for the Judge to read out detailed descriptions of any images found. That for me was the absolute most horrendous thing I've ever had to deal with. I took my then 18 year old with me and I regret that. My ex is due sentencing for the second time soon. I won't be going to court this time. Also, I remember reading a post on here a while back from someone who went to the sentencing to find out the truth. The press reported the case and said that she was in court supporting her person. She wasn't.

When you arrive at court you need to go through security and be searched. It's then a waiting game. There are several different courts. They had screens up outside to show which case was being heard and which were due. Eventually I heard my persons name over the tannoy and made my way into court. You sit in the main body of the court room. There was only 3 people sat there. Then my person stood in the dock. At the front was the Judge and two assistants and the solicitors. It seemed to take ages as they do go into alot of detail. I think it probably took about 45 minutes. I'd written to the Judge about my person. The Judge asked if I was in court so I put my hand up. He asked me to stand up and told me how impressed he was by my thoughtful and articulate letter and that he hoped my person understood just how fortunate he was to have me supporting him. Eventually he asked my person to stand and told him the sentence and tore him to shreds, telling him exactly what he thought of him. And still he went on to do it again. There are charities who can attend court with you or go on your behalf. We had a volunteer with us that day and she was worth her weight in gold. X

I went to both court hearings with OH. It took over 2 years from knock until sentencing, and I needed to hear everything myself before we closed that chapter. It just confirmed that everything he was saying was truthful and helped me to start to heal from the experience. As we stayed together, I needed to go into a new chapter together with a clean and open slate, and this helped!

My husband and I both went into the court room with our son, nothing was a shock to me as I had read all the CPS and solicitors papers. I never ever want any mum to go through that, however I wouldn't change it and glad I was there for him.

I actually stood in the dock with my son at magistrates as he has autism, he was 3 months over 18 at arrest and 19 when went to court. We asked the judge if I could be with him and she allowed it.

I attended sentencing but waited outside, id also been privvy to the full CPS report and didn't feel the need to hear it again. Although I did sob when he came out because we weren't sure what the outcome would be and OH had convinced himself he would end up in prison - mentally I think he had to prepare himself for the worst case scenario. Just awful xxx