I am a name changer not because I am ashamed of this but because it is private and I don't want people in RL to know I am thinking of this yet.
My dad sexually abused me and it all came to light when I was 12. The case went to court a year later (about 1988) and I gave evidence against him. He was found guilty and went to prison for 2 years - I have only seen him in the street once or twice since this and have no wish to make contact with him.
I have often wondered what defence or justification he gave (he pleaded not guilty). It is a difficult issue because around this time he also became seriously mentally ill. I wonder whether the illness might have caused the abuse or whether he was just a pervert generally (he also abused several family members).
So I was wondering whether court records from the time would still exist, and if so do I have the right to read them? I feel I could handle this quite well because I have had counselling and I am 'over' the abuse as much as anyone can be.
If anyone knows the answer to this I'd be really grateful, thanks.