The Media

There will be pretty much lots of interest in cases like this, unfortunately for us, I think we will be one of the first cases after all the Roy Meadows material, and no doubt some people are wanting to get the Child Protection Machine back on track. So expect the media to be in attendance.

Remember their job is to fill in space in the papers and the news with stories (note how they call them News stories and not News Facts). Some Journalists to be fair are professional and do seek to raise public awareness of all sorts of issues. You could even consider contacting these professional journalists as they do care for the miscarriages of justice.

But from our experience to date, it’s just a quick line or two they want, and then move on. The damage they can leave in their wake is vast, but the Innocent till proven guilty line, seems to go out of the window.

I read a line that someone had said that modern Child Protection matters are a bit like a Medieval Witch Hunt. If the witch dies…well she was okay, but if she lives, well then she must be evil! Nice to see we as a society have moved on.

There is little to protect you from them, the courts can limit them to certain things, at the Crown Court the judge asked the press not to have pictures of our children splashed all over the media. Protecting our children from whatever threat is our key aim, the media could do a lot of long-term damage all for the sake of a quick photo, or a few lines.

The press are not allowed to take Photos in court or on the steps outside; if they do they can find themselves in trouble with the court facing fines and imprisonment. Also if the Court prevents them from doing something and they don’t comply you could be looking at contempt of court.

I did watch two young journalists in the Magistrate court sitting texting in the court room, so I am not too sure how much respect the Journalists (in that case) actually had for the court or the court at preventing it. It was also interesting to listen to them chat, as they had real issues with us asking for a press blackout (to protect our children). Their replies went something like ‘why are they bothering with that’ and ‘we will get that changed at Crown Court’. Try not to be too wound up by them.

Also remember that they have to be a bit careful as to spoiling a case by over reporting, inaccurate reporting etc. Cases have been lost before it even went to court or in the early stages by all accounts.

The Police can give out a basic statement when asked by the Media on what the case involves. Sadly it has been known for some Police to have links to media and stories being leaked early, but once the case gets going it will be something you will have to face however it breaks. Some may advise you to go to the media first, the choice is yours in that case.

With only several basic facts given out name and address of suspect, age and details of any victim, offence charged with etc. Be prepared for the facts to be printed or transmitted wrongly. In our case we had quite a few details wrong I list a few as an example;

1. My wife’s name spelt wrong
2. My wife must have left me at one point as she became a Miss
3. The Child involved aged 10 years or so (10 months actually)
4. The address was wrong
5. The Child died at the wrong location

And my personal favourite

6. I was shown as on Bail for the offence! When it in fact was my wife.

I have heard it said if you want to read the good stuff you should also be ready for the bad stuff. In these cases you may find it is more bad stuff than good, or just numerous errors. So please be prepared and trust me when I say whatever you read always take with a pinch of salt or two. Most important do not let it get to you, remember you know the truth.

As I mentioned earlier there are professional investigative journalists who actually may be of assistance to you as well as documentary film-makers. Consider them, after consultation with your solicitor.