Family and Friends Forum

Been lurking here since the knock 7 weeks ago and have learned so much so thought I should post, though scared. Hello. Person is 20 and was alone when police knocked on their door - breaks my heart to think of them facing that alone and then having no way to contact us and no support until the next day when they walked to a friend's house to use their device to make contact - all they know is it's related to a Snapchat tip but their account was banned a couple of years ago, they weren't sure why at the time and have not had an account since. Possibly something unsolicited sent. No arrest was made and not all devices were taken. They didn't even search despite having a warrant, just asked what devices they had and took two, said it would be retuned if nothing found but could be weeks or months. Solicitor has since spoken to OIC who says it will be 18 months. Hard to know what to think and I've been to the pits of despair but in a more optimistic place now, mostly thanks to reading all your posts. Strength to you all.

Thanks so much. Initially very shocked and traumatised but now almost business as usual, possibly even denial, but it's exam season and they don't think they have any illegal content on their devices plus no arrest was made so I guess they are proceeding as if they'll be returned and life will go on.

Thanks so much, your support is so kind. I've imagined all the worst case scenarios endlessly, as I am sure everyone does, but one day at a time, I guess.

Such a similar experience Ajustcopingparent - how are you and your son doing? I've been to the absolute pit of despair imagining all the worst case scenarios but now a bit more zen and hopeful.

Ajustcopingparent - my son was like that initially but chatting to him about the importance of carrying on with his life in the meantime seemed to help him rally a bit and recognise that he can't throw away the opportunities ahead of him right now for something that might not happen and which, even if it does, we will cope with. I reminded him that he is innocent until proven guilty and that right now there is as much chance of devices coming back clear as there is of this escalating. My understanding is that the system recognises the difference between a wilful criminal act by an adult and a young person acting recklessly online or straying into something unintentionally, and have read that many cases like this are deemed not in the public interest to prosecute. I hope you can find the words to help him feel a bit more positive and that you have support too.