What does the police want/expect me to do in this situation?

bitemebankers

ilovelondontown wrote: »

It just depends on your personal feelings about taking it further now?

This, really.

Yes, the CPS could, in theory, subpoena you. But I'd be very surprised if they'd go to the bother for a minor crime like this - murder/arson etc would be a different story.

Personally, if it were my kid, I'd go to court. It's a great learning experience IMHO and your son would get to see how it all works. If nothing else, it'll be interesting. I don't think it's solely about the punishment the offender is likely to receive - it's more about justice being done.

Gemguin

It depends upon the age of your son as to exactly what happens next.

I would assume that upon the police first arriving they would have taken a first account of what happened from your son in a pocket notebook. Which will provide basic information to interview the first boy they have arrested, I would then assume that without a full admission of the crime he would be placed on police bail for further evidence to be gained.
This further evidence could be forensic upon the bike ( unlikely as it is a movable object which any person can touch. The arrest and interview of the further boy and obtaining a statement from your son, find any witnesses

Dependant upon your sons age they could either take a written statement countersigned by yourself as appropriate adult. This is likely if your son is 15/16/17. This can be done in a few days
If below this age he will be required to complete a video statement which is a video recorded chat in a room where you will be present and the specially trained officer will ask your son his account of what happened and cover all points that they need to. This process takes longer to arrange possibly a week or so.

You can still make the statement and withdraw support for court later however without witnesses support very little will be pursued through courts unless there is a guilty plea at this level ( yes they can witness summons your son but this is unlikely due to his age and the offence type)

Based on the timing when both boys have been arrest and interviewed a decision will be made by a case review officer or the crown prosecution service. They will decide if there is sufficient evidence to prosecute for the offence. If so the boys will be charged possibly given bail conditions and a date set for court. Weeks away

There is no reason why your son cannot have his bike returned after forensics (if the police forensic test it at all) as long as you sign the relevant form agreeing that if the court require the bike to be viewed by magistrates etc this is complied with.

I supposed that in the end it comes down to your choice or moral standing if you wish these boys to be punished for the crime they committed, if a charge is brought against them.

Yes they may well be in the system and not give a rats a**s but you never know!

Any punishment given at the end of all this will be down to the magistrates, fines, youth orders, compensation etc

Hope this helps

gingin_2

It's a hard one, CATS but I think you have to do what's best for your son. I don't feel it's very admirable to say as this kid will probably never learn but with our justice system the way it is I can't see him getting any more than a slap on the wrist. I'd worry about the repercussions for your son if this gets dragged out via a court case. I'd just get the bike bake

Just to add probably reading others' opinions on here might well sway me.

CATS

thank you all, I have spoken to my hubby and we both agree to just drop it, more for our son's sake, he doesn't need to go through this. Luckily they didnt hurt it or anything like that, no weapons were used and I know where they both live if anything ever happens I am sure that they will get a fine, and will soon be back in court as they seem to be really good boys NOT!!!!! I cant image at 14 having so many records and being out on bail!!! not kids I want around my boy. Now I dont feel so guilty about not wanting to bother with the courts

aileth

CATS wrote: »

thank you all, I have spoken to my hubby and we both agree to just drop it, more for our son's sake, he doesn't need to go through this. Luckily they didnt hurt it or anything like that, no weapons were used and I know where they both live if anything ever happens I am sure that they will get a fine, and will soon be back in court as they seem to be really good boys NOT!!!!! I cant image at 14 having so many records and being out on bail!!! not kids I want around my boy. Now I dont feel so guilty about not wanting to bother with the courts

Don't worry, by the time they are adults they will spend more time inside than out

NAR

Probably taking the best line to drop it. Unless they plead guilty to the charges you and son would have to give evidence. The boy on bail is already in trouble for something, so the solicitor would plead that this is just another misdemeanour to be taken into consideration.

In the grand scheme of things it is not seen as a major offence (property theft) and, as you say, it is only a matter of time before they do time for other more serious offences. Also if you go ahead with it there is always a possibility he may be threatened by the other boys or their mates.

Fluff15

Have you asked your son what he wants to happen? Does he just want his bike back, or does he think that they will be punished better if they go through court?

Personally, if it were my bike, I think I'd want to take them to court. As they were already out on bail, it's bloody ridiculous that they offended again. I know somebody who was killed by a boy, who was recently let out after seriously assaulting somebody else. If you break the law, you deserve to be punished and that punishment should be big enough for a lesson to be learned. It really bothers me that people are allowed to reoffend.

ifstar

At 14 year old then it is never going to go to court. I'd be surprised if the police weren't able to get you to sign a property list or similar which basically takes place of the bike instead of it being held as a production. That's certainly the way it works up in Scotland.

The other thing to keep in mind is that the boy has committed a crime, it should be officially recorded otherwise he will think he can get away with doing "trivial" things without any fear of action against him.

NAR

ifstar wrote: »

At 14 year old then it is never going to go to court.

And you base this on what???

At least one of the boys has been in trouble before and been in court. Based on the evidence of previous court appearances PPS would almost certainly put the boy(s) in court to face a charge.

Prothet_of_Doom

If it were my son, I'd be making sure that he made a statement and was well prepared when he arrives in Court as the Star Witness.
I'd also be expecting that the Bike be returned as I'm sure any court would accept a few photos of it as evidence.
Yes there is potential for 'retribution' but doesn't sound like it's going to come via the kids parents, who sound at the end of thier tether.
I'd also be paying for martial arts leasons so that your son can learn to protect himself.