Adult charged after slapping my autistic son, what happens now?

[Lisa121888Marie]

Hello, would be greatful for some advice please. My 11yr old son was slapped around the face by a 22yr old adult. I called the police and statements were taken both sides. She attended court for assault by beating and pleaded not guilty, and was put on bail until a trial date is set. My son is autistic and suffering with anxiety now. Is she likely to get away with this? I am struggling to understand how she can think its normal to slap a child. There were no witnesses, apart from the fact she admitted to both myself and my sons dad that she slapped him in the face. However she has pleaded not guilty.

Did your son have to do a video interview with the police ? This would be his evidence in chief. If so that would be played to the court.
He could then be cross examined via a video link.

@Notasbigasithink i did not leave my child with her. We live in flats and the children all play outside. My son was on his scooter at the time. So no, I did not leave him alone with her. And as already stated there is no more to the story other than an adult has slapped a child. If you cannot give me advice like the other kind people on here, please don’t comment at all. Thank you

@HoldMyWine unfortunately the first interview we gave at the police station, was lost. All statements everything all gone. But yes I’ve been informed once this goes to court we can request special measures for my son. Thanks

@BeardySchnauzer thank you so much. I must admit the anger inside has slowly eaten away at me. But I try not to let my son see and we carry on as normal: thanks again.

I know - it’s hard but you need to let it go or you will end up bearing the punishment!

@plasticplate this is what I am thinking, being she is very loud and mouthy too. Not normal. Thank you

Did you witness the assault?
Did anyone else witness the assault?
Was there any physical evidence of the assault?
Did she admit the assault to anyone other than you?
Was there any cctv footage ?

@Dontlletmedownbruce are you saying you condone an adult hitting a child? Do you think I give two sh@ts about how she’s feeling? Do not compare my son to that animalistic behaviour. Maybe you are like that. Please, do not comment on my post anymore.

Do you think her life should be ruined instead? Cos that's the only other option now the criminal justice system is involved.

I get your and his anxiety but until the trial you won’t know anything

@allthingsinmoderation no witnesses, no cctv. I have photos of my son’s red cheek after the attack. She admitted hitting him to myself and my son’s dad.

@Anarchy99 very true. Thank you

@CurdinHenry one word. GOOD

The police and cps obviously beleive you, even if there are no other witnesses. She may get a conditional discharge, if it is a first offence.

@Marieb19 Thank you

i suppose it up to the courts now to decide if the evidence you do have (you and your sons dads account and the photo evidence) is enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she did slap your son v her denial.
Do you know what her version of events now is?
It's an awful situation to be in.
I hope your son is doing ok now.

@CurdinHenry You obviously do not have children. As a parent you do anything to protect your child/children.

An adult hitting a child? I wouldn't dream of it. If you do have children, i feel sorry for them.

I’m not sure why the OP should be showing empathy for an adult who slapped a child hard enough to leave a mark

surely part of the criminal justice system is nipping this sort of behaviour in the bud?

would your view be different if the perpetrator was a 40 year old man, or the victim a 6 year old girl or 90 year old woman?

yes i thought this too.

@allthingsinmoderation Thank you, he's doing much better, but still worries about seeing her when we visit nan and grandad who live in the same area.

All i have been told is that she has denied the charge. Thanks again

You are coming across as very obnoxious OP, being rude to posters and misinterpreting comments. If you are looking for support you are going the wrong way about it.

I’m sorry your son has to go through this OP. Unfortunately if she is denying it, no witnesses etc then it would be unlikely for her to be found guilty at trial. A confession to the parents of those involved, if she is now denying having said or done it, doesn’t amount to much.

If the CPS think there’s a realistic charge of conviction, they’ll proceed. But there’s every chance the whole thing will be dropped.

Yes this. Obviously adults can't go round slapping children, but seperately to that you're being very rude to people you don't even know OP, which leads me to suspect you may have played a part in antagonising this family.

Which doesn't make the behaviour OK but hardly follows the line of doing "anything" to protect your child either.