Son Was Sent To Prison Today : (

[Smowball]

It was sons revised court date today. As soon as we met the solicitor he said I've got bad news- it's not a panel of three as usual sitting the case - it's a district judge and this one is an absolute b@@@ard. So he then asks me if I'd like to take the stand and say a few words as it may be the only thing that may sway the judge. Ok I said. Anyway we go in- solicitor was lovely and said how son now had a full time job, how he had got himself a mental health referral and had done everything possible to help himself.
I then took the stand, swore my oath on the bible and did the same. I was asked what did I think would happen should he be sent to prison and I said it would be the worst possible thing as he would be right back to the beginning, he'd lose his job, he'd miss his mental health referral and he'd have to start all over again.
But judge had clearly made his mind up before we even started, as he asked son to stand up, then sentenced him to 8 months, and said he would serve half, so four months. I had to see his face just crumple, then two officers handcuffed him and just led him away. I burst into tears on the spot.
So he will be locked up for his birthday this weekend, and for Xmas... and I can't his shocked face out of my mind. I didn't even get a chance to say anything to him : (

[jno]

that's very hard, Smowball, and yes, it does make a difference who the judge is.

Hard on you too.

[ummmm]

Poor lad. It's awful xx

[davegosling]

Any chance of appeal?

[queenofmean]

Aww Smow I’m terribly sorry :(
Is there no chance of an appeal?
Much love to you xx

[DTCwordfan]

strength to you first, smow.

[mazie]

So sorry Smow, what a terrible outcome. xxx

[Smowball]

Don't think so. Even the solicitor was shocked. Why on earth would you lock up someone who has already been on suicide watch and who has some form of mental health problem?? He now won't have any of his medication till they've got the ok from his doctor, which is normally 5 days and so it will be completely out of his system by then!! Am so upset and angry.

[Tilly2]

I am so sorry that this has happened to you both.

[Mamyalynne]

Sorry to hear that Smow.

It isn't easy I know.x

[jourdain2]

I'm so sorry that all the extenuating circs. weren't enough. You must be feeling dire and aching for the babe you had.

Well, it's happened and right now you are in shock. In a day or two you may be able to think about how to limit the damage. If he's done his job well then his employer may be able to overlook this, or at least give him a good reference. Some firms reach out to people who have been in prison (Timpson's for instance). The Mental Health referral can also be sorted out - but not now.

I am so very sorry that this situation has hit you. Right now, be kind to yourself so you can tackle it. x

[tonyav]

Sorry to hear this, Smow.
Very bad judge imo.

[Patsy33]

What a shock for you all
So sorry Smow. x

[yogi-bear]

Oh Smowball, that must have been terrible for you....I can't possibly imagine how you are feeling at the moment, but hopefully, in time, you'll come to except it, and just think, you will have him back in only four months time, my lovely.....will go quickly.

Please accept my sincere best wishes to you and your family, Smow and I'm sure the good people on this site will always be around, night and day, if you want to chat about anything at all.......Take care, all my love Yogi xxx

[Berniecuddles2]

Very sorry to hear this smow stay strong hugs for you x

[gness]

I'm sorry, Smow.......it's so frustrating when you know it won't help him at all......Gx

[Smowball]

Thankyou everyone - I needed a friendly ear as I'm sat here on my own in a B & B feeling just terrible knowing he is now locked in a prison cell. Do judges not use any common sense sometimes???

[Tilly2]

I don't think that judges are renowned for their common sense, Smow.

[jourdain2]

Sadly, this one didn't, Smow. Accept - and move from there. But, you can't if you have not recovered. Look after yourself right now, then you'll be able to help him as much as possible.

[marval]

I am very sorry to hear this Smow, what a dreadful judge. xx

[granny grump]

So sorry Smow aren't there any welfare societies connected with prison service who can get him seen any sooner by the doctor. I'ts in everyone's interest including the prison service that his condition is stable and for that he needs to be on his meds. Good luck