These days every time that we open a newspaper or turn on the news we are greeted with more revelations of the growing menace of child abuse and paedophilia. And thanks to the various “stings” set up by FBI we are now seeing how far the tendrils of this diabolical trade stretch. Day after day we read of police officers, social workers, the clergy and the rich and famous getting caught out viewing and downloading scenes that make the strongest of us want to puke. And ask any parent what they would do with this scum and the answer is always the same. “String ‘em up!” or worse. Because believe me, there are far worse things than death. But what do you do when the offender is one of your own.
This very dilemma has been laid at my door.
My friend Dave approached me recently, and he asked my advice on what to about some insights into the web surfing habits of another mutual friend, Bob. Now, Bob rents, or should I say rented, lodgings from Andy in his house. Dave went round to Andy’s house to go and fix Bobs computer and came across images that ranged from the extreme to the downright illegal.
As I’ve always preached against the church’ advocacy of harbouring sex offenders, there was only one answer that I could reach. Call the police!
However, this decision was harder to execute than first imagined. “ What about his Mother, his sister and her husband, their children.” I asked. Because it is an unfortunate truth that mobs just need a target, whether or not it is the right target doesn’t come into the equation. And what about Andy, the unsuspecting landlord. Would he be found guilty by association, by some, skinhead led, kangaroo court? But Andy’s girlfriend, Christine, has two little girls. Would they be safe? Bobs work took him all over the country, were anyone’s children safe? And here lay the dilemma. Our civic duty was to call the police immediately but the safety of those innocents whose lives were entwined with this sick individual were also paramount.
It was decided that Bobs problem would be treated 'in house'. Andy had no choice but to throw him out of his house, for the safety of Christine’s children and Dave removed his computer and made discreet enquiries about counselling. This solution, unfortunately, did not sit well with everybody. Dave’s wife was particularly annoyed that he had seemingly, ‘got away with it.’
In less than twenty-four hours, seven peoples lives had been changed forever, guilt complex’s abounded, and relationships were rocky to say the least. This left only one question, “ How can we let this one person destroy what we have? “ The answer was simple. He can’t. We called the police.
So, do I feel better for knowing that we did the right thing? No I don’t. Today I informed on a friend that I have known for fourteen years, but I could do nothing else and still look in the mirror every morning. And would I do the same thing tomorrow? Yes I would.
(Names have been changed to protect the innocent.) More on child abuse
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