Long story shortened
My DS 13 was a witness to an assault. He under instruction from another boy filmed it.
I was contacted by the parent of the child who carried out the assault as she was worried about it ending up on social media. I then through a friend found out who the other mother was of the victim and made contact to provide the video to, suggest if she hadn’t already to take him to A&E to be checked out and told her I would be reporting to the police.
I then gave the video evidence to the police and spoke with the officer who has agreed to have an off the record conversation to expose my DS to what the possible implications of this behaviour could lead to.
it appears the child that carried out the assault will likely be charged with GBH and they are counting my son as a witness and he may have to give statements or go to court to testify.
I obviously am very relieved that my son will not face any consequences to recording the footage.
I was concerned that at the beginning of the recording as he was giving it a bravado to the boys threatening a fight, may implicate him however, felt that this could be a very good early life lesson in putting a phone down and helping the victim and choosing better friends in the first instance was worth the risk.
DS is SEN if that’s relevant.
and I can’t stop think if IHBU.
yanbu - yes you should always come forward
yabu - you should have kept quiet and protected your son from potential police investigation