help

[suzzq]

thanks .we are getting hold of him today as police have now interviewed my daughter.we have argued with police as they wanted to interview younger sister aged 11 but didnt want to do this on video link we have insisted that this is the only way she will be interviewed.is this right.we have now been imformed that my grandson is violent and thats why she was afraid of him.he has no record of violent behaviour anywhere.it just seems to be getting worse.

[Rights Fighter]

I am surprised and concerned to read that the police are unwilling to video-interview an 11 year old child. This is usually done that way as a matter of course. What are they trying to hide or what do they hope to hide?

Very odd.

[suzzq]

the person who is accusing my grandson ststes that she was in the room at the time.police said that it was informal chat that they wanted with her.we disagreeed and told them to set up the link.didnt realise accuser has all the rights and we have none.

[Rights Fighter]

When it comes to non-recorded "informal chats" with young children I tend to worry a little. I've known notes to these "informal chats" go "missing" pre-trial.

On at least one occasion I was present at trial where the officer cockily swaggered up to the witness box, only to leave red faced and head down as it had been discovered he had hidden such notes in a brown envelope marked "not to be disclosed to defence".

I have no idea how or where the barrister found that envelope but I'm damn sure it is what helped get the not guilty verdict in that case.

[suzzq]

we have spoken to gerrard and he will be phoning us later.what is kia

[Rights Fighter]

It's KAI = Kent Against Injustice.

[Saffron]

Suzzq, there is no such thing as an "informal off the record chat" so you were absolutely right to refuse to do it via videolink. The girl is only 11 and children of a similar age will often agree with what the police suggest because they are scared of getting into trouble.

Glad you have got in touch with the sols.

[suzzq]

does anyone now if we can get the results from dna testing and will we be able to find out how far gone she was when baby terminated.she went to 2 clinics 1 said 4month 1 said 6months.

[Saffron]

Unfortunately you will not get any of this information unless your Grandson is charged. Until then you have no rights to access the information at all.
Sorry.

[suzzq]

ok thank you for that

[Rights Fighter]

Suzzq, there is no such thing as an "informal off the record chat" so you were absolutely right to refuse to do it via videolink. The girl is only 11 and children of a similar age will often agree with what the police suggest because they are scared of getting into trouble.

Glad you have got in touch with the sols.

Suzzq said: "...we disagreeed and told them to set up the link".

Any interview with a child really should be recorded so that there can be no "misunderstandings" later on down the line.

Saffron is correct: no information/paperwork would be forthcoming unless the police decide to charge. This paperwork would not go direct to your grandson but to his solicitor.

[suzzq]

hopefully that will be gerry,awaitng to here from him now

[largactyl1]

Hi there, just wanted to add a quick word about the 11 year old's interview. It is vital that it is fully recorded because although some interviewers are excellent with kids (this involves interviewers from a range of disciplines, not just the police), some make basic mistakes which led to the many heavily publicised cases of wide spread child abuse like Bryn Estyn, "satanic abuse" stories in late 80's early 90's etc. Children were interviewed poorly and the stories snowballed to the ridiculous:

1). Interviewer should not lead questions in anyway at all (e.g interviewing Goldilocks): So...you went into the cottage?
2). No closed questions e.g. You opened the door to get in? Yes or No? (this doesn't leave room for e.g. the door was already opened)
3). No closed choices e.g So there were, 1, 2, or 3 bowls of porridge? (Has to pick one - could be 20
4). No repeating question until required answer is given ( Goldilocks: 1? Interviewer: is that really the number there were? Goldilocks: ummm 2? Interviewer: Are you sure about that? Golilocks: 3? Interviewer: So there were three bowls of porridge on the table
5). No subtle rewards for "Correct answer" - this could be as small as a smile kids want to be "good"
6). No emotional blackmail: Interviewer: Well Goldilocks, you want to help me don't you? (Kids love to please)
7). No interviewing session to last very long as child will get bored/tired and want to do anything to get out of there - this obviously will vary from child to child.

Hope this is of a little help to you
Kind regards,
Jen

[suzzq]

thank you for that advice.we will make sure she is covered.

[witsend]

suzzq
Sorry I haven't been able of respond to any of your threads before now but am glad you have received great advice and support from others. Our son, aged 30, was falsely accused over a year ago, he to falls into the autistic spectrum. You may find you will have to scream and shout to get the support needed but unless you kick up a fuss people think "you are coping". GP, learning support team, get them all on board. Please keep coming back.