The parents of the 2 teenagers who murdered Brianna Ghey

[Netball01]

I’ve been following the horrific murder of Brianna Ghey, and it goes without saying that her poor parents / family must be going through absolute hell.

But after the names of the 2 murderers being released today, it’s made me think how on earth do their parents ever come to terms with what their children haven done ?! As far as I’ve read so far, they are just normal people. I just don’t know how you could ever try and move on from this.

My school has seen an alarming rise in threatened violence and sexual violence from children aged 7+ and in almost all cases they have unrestricted access to the internet; social media and online games, plus Netflix et al. Those whose parents say they know what their kids are doing online don't realise that even Roblox & Fortnite have adult rooms/scenarios.

At the worst end, playing games like GTA, CoD, GoW, watching things like Squid Games, Annabelle, M3gan & the Terminal List, looking up porn, stupid deaths, 'seconds from disaster' and so on are warping the children's minds, and also affecting those kids that don't have access, with their use of language, imagery and sheer glee at making the shy/innocent/sensitive child cry.

I spend hours every week trying to sort issues relating to these things - and when I tried to stop, telling parents it was on them to deal with, it got worse. It's a bloody thankless task.

@Felicia19 ive Been thinking about Lucy letby as well.
I bet there are a lot of parents looking at their moody, difficult teens this evening and wondering whether they would know if they were capable of this.

I have to admit that I am a bit perplexed by all the "Ratcliffes father is a role model" stuff - can't abide the Daily Mail, but they aren't the only paper saying this. After an earlier post about his arrest in Wigan I did 2 minutes of googling, and found this https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/21652377.man-jailed-collection-13-000-child-porn-images-videos/ Name and age check out. Looks like some people may have been doing some sloppy journalism.

That said, parents and others can certainly influence children, but there is no exact science on saying how or in what direction. In the end, whatever their environment, and whatever explanatory diagnoses may contribute, there is always an element of choice.

I wonder how much is due to two troubled people egging each other on. If these two had never met and reinforced each others interest n torture and murder might they have gone on to have normal lives?

I think it is called folie a deux but I might have that wrong.

Maybe I'm reading it wrongly but isn't it saying the son was the role model kick boxer not that the father was a role model.

I'm not sure why we're not talking more about the role of harmful material of the internet in this case.

And if the parents could have changed something it's to have been properly monitoring Internet and phone use.

Interesting article which raises more questions than answers. Thanks for sharing. It's all far too nuanced for people who prefer simple answers like 'it's the parents' fault' or 'they're evil'. I'm afraid this thread has depressed me a lot, as it demonstrates that the baying mob mentality of public executions in days of yore is still very much prevalent in modern society. These children have done something unfathomable and India Knight's partner appears to be abhorrent, but the posters here are only focused on simplistic reactions. It would have been nice to see a few more comments that showed, or even just referenced empathy, society, causality, redemption, forgiveness and compassion.

@AuContraire @MILTOBE Yes it’s odd, I can’t find it either now. It was basically mentioning that ER’s father was in attendance from remand that day, and that SJ’s team would need to support her when more emerged about it. But no, it’s not in the sentencing remarks is it.

This thread is as shit as the query of the opening post. Speculating and gossiping. Some people are born psychopaths. Stop

Define "normal" and share what you've read please.

That was the angle his defence took. So the DM have just parroted it. That he got a minimum term of 20 years doesn’t indicate strongly that the judge was convinced, however.

But violent crime is dropping .

.

I can think of a couple of girls I have known through my own kids who have exhibited what I would call "deviant" behaviour - an interest in blood, death and drugs, and who self-harm - obviously troubled souls attracted to the dark side of life - much to the concern and worry of their families.
I don't for a minute anticipate that they would do anything like this...but you never know what is in people's heads, or what influences they have been exposed to through friends or online.

I don't think its as significant as some would make out, in this case or others like it. By that, I mean the availability of dreadful material isnt to 'blame' per se. Yes if that sort of thing appeals, its more readily available now than it was historically. Before the internet age though, savages like these two would've indulged their warped minds with books and TV, or just their own sick imaginations.
Thats not to say the internet doesnt require serious attention and far better regulation, for all manner of reasons.

I don't think they should have revealed the names. The fallout on the parents and siblings and beyond must be devastating. As yes I know, whataboutery will be triggered.

The headteacher was in the news saying they hadn't known the girl had been expelled from another school for trying to covertly drug other children.

How the hell can that happen? How can communications break down so drastically?

Her parents are both teachers.

Her dad's a plasterer...

That isn’t the reason that children’s names are not routinely released - as the issues you describe would have impacts on family for offenders of all ages. The reason children are not routinely named is to allow them to rehabilitate, for example if they were involved in a burglary their name would not be available forever and as such it would help them to move on and be a productive member of society. But when there is serious violence that is dis applied. It’s completely normal practice.

I agree with this. Apparently the girl was obsessed with looking at the dark web for hours. It's easier to ignore what your kids are doing because while they are shut upstairs looking at all sorts, you get a quiet life. Parents have to take responsibility for allowing their kids unfettered access to the internet. One of my children is the only one in his school class who doesn't have a smart phone. He is 10. There's the bloody problem.

I'm not sure why we're not talking more about the role of harmful material of the internet in this case.

I often think this a chicken and egg scenario.

After all - what SJ saw on the internet may or may not have been influential in her actions.

But she googled those websites and that must have been due to her mindset and fascination with torture and murder. She didn't just come across it looking for make up tips.

So I guess the real question is how much of a role does it play and does it play an influential role.

I heard an interview with a criminal forensic psychologist who stated that these crimes were so rare and so unique that they are almost impossible to predict, and have very little in common.

Yet you seem to know the exact reality?

It's not in the sentencing, it's in the reporting restrictions - point 5.

I'm not sure if the child X reference is a typo and should be Y?

https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/r-v-x-and-y-reporting-restrictions/

But violent crime is dropping

@Daftasabroom I thought the lower levels of violent crime were due to reduction in criminal damage & fraud offences? Knife murders have increased haven’t they?

Wow, how can they say his dad was normal, loving....is this his dad?!?! If so, why are the police stating he came from a normal family?!?! WTF