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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Original poster

Uncle charged with child sex offences - oh my god

34 replies

dontknowmuch · 18/02/2007 21:33

Theres been some issues in the last year in the family and to cut a long story short my cousin said her dad had abused her when she was a kid (in the 80's so quite a while ago). It now turns out that he abused another child who has since come forward.

Its been a major blow, he is a great guy (or so everyone thought). But now he has been charged with 47 offences! We just can't believe it, does that sound alot to you. I can't even begin to think what that must mean. I'm told that some of the charges are duplicates as it's the same thing but is against two people so it counts as 2.

Will he get put away for it?

OP posts:
colditz · 18/02/2007 21:34

Almost without a doubt.

FotheringtonTomas · 18/02/2007 21:35

one life ruined by abuse is enough... i do understand that this is a shock but, assuming this is all true, your uncle is definitely not a great guy.

ShinyHappyBirthdayPerson · 18/02/2007 21:35

Let's hope so!

So sorry DKM, this much be quite quite awful for you and the whole family but this man has done some terrible things and needs to be held accountable, better late than never.

OttergavebirthonValentines · 18/02/2007 21:35

lets hope so Bastard

IntergalacticWalrus · 18/02/2007 21:37

Oh God, DKM, how awful for your family.

However, it sounds like he has done some terrible things, which he will almost certainly be punished for.

MerlinsBeard · 18/02/2007 21:37

As awful as it is for you and your family, the lives of those he abused will have been much much worse, i am glad they found the strength to come forward and charge him

Original poster
dontknowmuch · 18/02/2007 21:43

My cousin is very strong (or so it seems) and sounds prepared to stand in court too which is amazing. She (and her mum and other family) have a lot of good support.

I can't get over the number of charges and believe me, I want him to get put away as much as anyone. Its just like so much has been a complete sham over all the years

OP posts:
Hulababy · 18/02/2007 21:44

Yes, if found guilty he will undoubtly go to prison for this.

Hard as it seems right now toyou, he doesn't sound like a great guy. Quite the opposite. Next few months are going to be really tough for you all. I suspect you will probably go through some form of grieving process yourself - grieving for the man you thought you knew who is no longer there (replaced by someone capable of horrid things).

lissielou · 18/02/2007 21:46

oh my god! im sorry, but i hope hes put away for a very long time.

sick bastard

Heavenis · 18/02/2007 21:49

He will be put away and he will also be put on the sex offenders register.

wannaBeWhateverIWannaBe · 18/02/2007 21:50

am so sorry you're all going through this.

the reaon it would seem like so many offences is because every time he abused your cousin would be listed as a separate offence iyswim and the same for the other girl.

hope your cousin has lots of support.

Original poster
dontknowmuch · 18/02/2007 22:03

I don't understand how it works exactly, I think it would be more if it was every time. He was doing it from about 7-15 on a regular basis

OP posts:
Ivor · 18/02/2007 22:12

A good friend of mine is a police officer who worked on a case of child abuse last year (that particular sick git has gone to prison for the rest of his natural). She told me that the severity of the offence is dependant upon the age of the child, basically the younger the child the longer the sentence in prison.
I feel for you DKM to think someone you loved could be capable of that is awful.

chipkid · 18/02/2007 22:16

The length of sentence will depend on whether he pleads guilty or not. If he is convicted after a trial where the victims are cross-examined-he will get some serious time-talking 8 years plus in my experience.

chipkid · 18/02/2007 22:17

Also should have said will depend on the seriousness of the abuse-ie rapes are more serious than indecent assault etc.

Original poster
dontknowmuch · 18/02/2007 22:19

He did everything you could think of. Has said he didn't do it.

OP posts:
chipkid · 18/02/2007 22:20

then if convicetd he will go away for a very long time.
Do you believe it is a true bill?

Original poster
dontknowmuch · 18/02/2007 22:21

Sorry, whats a true bill?

OP posts:
chipkid · 18/02/2007 22:22

do you think that your cousins are being truthful?

Original poster
dontknowmuch · 18/02/2007 22:23

Wasn't sure at first, shock I suppose, but having heard what i have heard - yes I do believe them. One of them had told someone years ago (not a family member) she said she didnt' want to break the family up. Its heartbreaking

OP posts:
chipkid · 18/02/2007 22:27

How absolutely awful for her and for you. This will not be an easy few months.

mysonsmummy · 18/02/2007 22:27

hes probably done it to loads more kids too - if he can do it to his daughter. if he has, i hope its an ideal time if another person is suffering in silence about him to get if off their chest. i know i would!!

mysonsmummy · 18/02/2007 22:28

err ... do kids lie about this sort of thing????????

chipkid · 18/02/2007 22:28

yes sometimes they do.

fireflyfairy2 · 18/02/2007 22:29

I amend your cousin for her strength. That's the most difficult thing she could ever have done, because, even though he has abused her over the years, she will still have some form of love for the man that is her father.

Give her all the support you can.

and pray that the sick bastard is jailed for a very long time.