Sir Roy Meadow to face inquiry

[musica]

Here's the story

[FairyMum]

Finally!

[Jimjambells]

I know I'm always banging on about autism, but a lot of parents of autistic kids will be pleased. It's frighteningly common for parents to hav MSBP accusations levelled at them- enough for the NAS to make a statement anyway....

See here

[Bunglie]

I am a mother of two, 15 years ago I was accused of having Munchausens-Syndrome-By-Proxy. I had to go through a criminal trial at which I was acquitted, with 'No case to answer' and as a result I had my children removed, made wards of court and finally adopted. They were 2 and 3 when they left me, I was given contact that I maintained twice weekly for 2 years and then the court released them for adoption, they were adopted when they were 6 and 7 years old. I was lucky and was granted an 'open' adoption. My son is 18 now but they have new names and I am no longer on their birth ctificates. I have since been proven not to have Munchausens or Munchausen-by proxy. The man who insisted to the social services that I had it was Professor Roy Meadows. He never interviewed me, my doctors or even saw any of my medical records. he wote his report based on an interview with my step-mother and a social worker. I know I was not imprisoned like some poor women as I was acquited, but the wardship hearing is a civil hearing, in private and done on the 'balance of probabilities'. I was naive, I thought I would get my children back and that it was a ghastly mistake. I was wrong. My children are beautiful and I love them, but they have had problems with their adopted parents. Up until a few weeks ago I never told anyone about this as I had been labled and was ashamed and thought that people would believe that I had this illness (I knew nothing about it at the time as it was a new thing). I now know that I am not the only person in this situation. What do I do now, is there anyone I can tell my story to so that I can right this wrong? I hear about the women being released from jail, but what about people like me? Professor Meadows evidence destroyed my life but more importantly he has destroyed my childrens lives. I am glad that it has been shown that he was not correct in a lot of cases but I do not feel vindicated. I do not want revenge or anything I just want someone to know the truth. I would never hurt my children and he made me out to be a liar. I have a very rare illness (only 14 people in the country have it) and at the time it had not been diagnosed, it has now, but for 5 years I could not get any treatment as the doctors thought I had this Munchausen Syndrome. Based on that it was then stated that I must have had Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy as my little girl developed an illness and I was accussed of causing it. She is fine now but at the time I believed in the social services and that they would not take my children away. I think the government, not the General Medical Council should hold an enquirey as to how this man destroyed so many lives for so long. Is there anyone in the same position as me, who can help?

[suedonim]

What an absolutely horrendous experience, Bunglie, I'm so sorry. There's a story on BBC about the latest reviews - could you ask to be included, I wonder? I really don't know how these things work but contacting a lawyer might be the best place to start. Best wishes in your search for justice.

[fio2]

Bunglie how awful It is really really terrible. Thank you for sharing your story with us and I am sure someone will know what you can do now

[WideWebWitch]

I'm so sorry bunglie. I hope someone can help.

[sykes]

Bunglie, contact me via e-mail.








































































































































Bunglie, contact me by e-mail - I may be able to help.

[fio2]

sykes what have you done?

[SofiaAmes]

I am in tears reading your story Bunglie. I can't imagine anything more awful. Except to have your children die and then to be accused of murdering them when you haven't, though you are probably blaming yourself even though it's not your fault. I hope Roy Meadows is made to answer for his gross incompetence. And I commend you Bunglie for your courage in talking "aloud" about what happened to you. I wonder if it wouldn't be worth contacting a reputable journalist (not the sun, etc.) and telling your story. Not to be sensational, but in the hope that by putting it in the public realm it will help stop something like that ever happening again. It may also help you (and your children) in your healing process. good luck.

[Tinker]

What happened there?

Bunglie - that sounds terrible, I'm so sorry. Heard a similarly awful tale on the JV show today, can't imagine how painful this must be for so many people.

[Levanna]

Hi Bunglie, someone very close to me was recently FALSELY accused of something (the SS never did make up their minds what!) and had her young baby removed, but we got the little one back recently after many harrowing months of baby being in foster care.
You might find that Rioch Edwards Brown of the 'Five Percenters' (the web address will come up on a search with that) a good person to talk to for advice. Her group is mainly run to help people accused of SBS, but I'm sure she'll be able to offer you sound advice, as she's got a lot of experience with situations like yours, SBS or otherwise. A good family law/childrens panel solicitor would also be a good place to start. I know of a fantastic one in the north west, but I'm not sure where abouts you are.
I have such sympathy for you, it is astounding that the state get away with basically kidknapping so many children. I'm well aware some children do need help, but so many families have been torn apart through poor judgement and false 'expert' witness statements that it really, really makes me sick. xx

[Bunglie]

Thank you all so much for your wonderful kind words. They have really cheered me up. I was not sure if I should have written my story but I certainly did not expect the response, you are all so very kind. I feel a bit of a fraud as it is the women who are in prison who need the support, but I have kept this secret from many of my friends. I moved just over two years ago to get away from it all and try to start afresh, with new doctors who knew nothing of the court case against me and as a result I have not told anyone where I now live that I have/had children. I do not buy a paper and I only found out about Prof. Meadows from a news item I heard about six weeks ago and then an aunt who sent me a newspaper clipping from the Sunday Telegraph yesterday, so I have not really been aware of all the news interest. I must sound really stupid, but I had hoped that I had left it all behind and then this all blows up! I am glad, please do not misunderstand me, but it has brought back so many emotions and I only get to see my children 3 or 4 times a year. I have always and still am a bit afraid of doing anything because my daughter is only just 17 so I rely on the adoptive parents generosity in allowing me access visits and I do not want to do anything that might upset them so that they stop me seeing my children or turn them against me. I think the worst thing is not knowing what they have been told about why they were adopted, do they hate me? My son was eighteen last year and since then he has not contacted me. I have written to him several times, just 'chatty' letters and invited him to visit but he has not replied. I am so worried that I have lost him as he does not have to come to access visits anymore and I know that when he was 18 he was given a letter from the social services. (My daughter will get the same letter when she is 18). I do not know what it said and as I have already said, I do not know what they have been told. The adoptive parents do not seem to like me but tolerate me, because the court said I could have contact with the children. They are not very forthcoming with any information and as I said I feel unable to ask for fear of upsetting them and I would loose what contact I have. I love my children very much and they are not even allowed to call me 'Mum' but have to call me by my Christian name. The adoptive parents are older than me and in their fiftys so I am a bit intimidated by them. Oh.... I am so sorry I seem to have gone on a bit but it is as if so much is bottled up inside me and their is no one to talk to or tell. Thank you so much again. I am confused a bit though, Levanna, what is SBS and how can a solicitor help me now. I can not expect anyone to overturn an adoption, can you imagine how awful it would be for my children, they must be confused enough. I want them to have stability and although I can not give it to them and no matter what my views are on their adoptive parents I am grateful that they have at least been given some stability through their childhood. Oh, I don't know, I am confused, as I said I think I need to talk to someone who understands, but is their anyone? Thank you again for your kind words, Bunglie XX

[tigermoth]

bunblie, you have had such sadness, I really hope you get talking to someone who can help you, even though nothing can take away the pain of the last years. There's been a few suggestions here and hopefully more will follow. Even if you contact one of the people or places mentioned and it's not right for you, they may refer you on to someone who can help. I think your story should be heard.

[FairyMum]

Not much to say to this except How Bloody Awful.

[bossykate]

oh bunglie! how utterly awful! as has already been suggested, i recommend contacting the BBC, a lawyer, your MP, the papers, angela canning - anyone who you think might help.

good luck.

[bossykate]

does anyone else think this debacle is the embodiment of the misogyny in society?

[melsy]

Not much to add thats helpful, but oh how terrible to have them taken away. I really feel for you. You are very strong to say that you wouldnt want to remove them from their adoptive parents. Whata dreadful wrench on the heart.

[Hulababy]

Oh Bunglie, how awful for you. Your story has me in tears. I really hope you can do something, anything, to maake your and your children's lives happier.

[Bozza]

Bunglie I too found your story very moving. I think the idea of contacting a solicitor is more to get your name cleared and establish the wrong done to you by Prof Meadows than to overthrow the adoption. Your son is an adult now anyway and your daughter is nearly there.

Its up to you but personally I think it would help for your children to know the truth about what happened. Do you feel like you could write to your son detailing what you have told us?

[fio2]

Bunglie I do think it would be best to get this out in the open so your children know the truth. Who knows what SS have told them.

You sound like a very strong person and I really feel for you. I hope you get things sorted out or at the very least are able to talk to someone who has been through the same thing

[aloha]

That man is pure evil. I think you should write to your son, and your daughter when she is 18 and tell them exactly what happened - about how it was him that accused you, of the truth about your illness and how much you love them and have always loved them and how much pain you have been in not being able to be their mother. Tell them the truth like you've told us. If they don't know the truth they may imagine all sorts of things and believe themselves to be rejected. I think you should also contact the solicitor for Angela Cannings and have your case reviewed. I will try and find contact names for you. Like SofiaAmes, I simply cannot imagine an anguish greater than this, except to have a child die. I don't personally think it is any easier than going to prison. If someone took my family away from me I wouldn't care where I was. I am chilled to my core by all this.

[aloha]

Angela Cannings solicitor is Bill Bache, of the firm Pye-Smiths - contact 01722 412345 or email [email protected]. I'm sure the firm will be able to help you and put you in touch with the inquiry at the very least.

It is, IMO, child abuse to take children away from loving mothers.

[Marina]

Totally agree with everything that has been said here about Roy Meadow, especially BK's pithy summary of his career. This whole saga is an utter disgrace.
Bunglie, I hope the contacts suggested help you in some way and am in tears reading your story. Good luck to you.