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| Not your usual Facebook status update! |
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Not your usual Facebook post!
Whilst waiting for my flight back home, I posted this to my facebook account. It was the first time I had publicly spoken about what had happened to me.
Just one word that meant so much.
He was ushered into the courtroom by two Policemen. He was not a feeble old man. He was well dressed and carried a blue and white plastic bag. I hadn't seen him for 37 years but I recognised him. I was on the opposite side of the courtroom....the last time we met he was so much closer and had control of me but NOT TODAY.
He was sworn in and the charge of indecent assault was put to him and he was then asked how he would plead.
Even at this stage I felt as if I was dreaming. Am I here in a courtroom after 37 years of shame, guilt and heartache? Is he about to finally admit his wrongdoings? For so many years when asked what I wanted, I always said 'my day in Court' and here I am. For me it was the ultimate exoneration, vindication and liberation. The truth is out and everyone now believes me.
'GUILTY' he said and I cried.
He was sworn in and the charge of indecent assault was put to him and he was then asked how he would plead.
Even at this stage I felt as if I was dreaming. Am I here in a courtroom after 37 years of shame, guilt and heartache? Is he about to finally admit his wrongdoings? For so many years when asked what I wanted, I always said 'my day in Court' and here I am. For me it was the ultimate exoneration, vindication and liberation. The truth is out and everyone now believes me.
'GUILTY' he said and I cried.
Monday, 4 February 2013
Quaking in my boots!
Due to meet with representatives of the Director of Public Prosecutions, An Garda Siochana (Irish Police service), Senior and Junior council at the court at 2pm. My mind is whirring and sleep was no friend of mine last night.
We meet as planned and I am informed that a reduced plea has been accepted by the State. No trial would take place. I was ready for the fight. I was nervous about what the defence would say and do to me whilst giving evidence, but I knew as long as I stuck to the truth that the truth would prevail. My counsellor had helped me build towards this day and I could almost taste the adrenaline.
However it was not to be, but I would have my day in court, I would see him and most important of all, I would hear him.
We meet as planned and I am informed that a reduced plea has been accepted by the State. No trial would take place. I was ready for the fight. I was nervous about what the defence would say and do to me whilst giving evidence, but I knew as long as I stuck to the truth that the truth would prevail. My counsellor had helped me build towards this day and I could almost taste the adrenaline.
However it was not to be, but I would have my day in court, I would see him and most important of all, I would hear him.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Happy Birthday?
Today I am 50 years old but instead of celebrating my birthday I am flying to Ireland to appear in court and come face to face with one of two men that sexually abused me when I was 13 years old.
I have not seen him since that day and I don't know what to expect or how I will react.
I am told the trial could last 7 to 10 days and I am not relishing the experience. He may offer a guilty plea to a reduced charge but I have no control whether it's acceptable to the state, so it's out of my hands.
It has been a 37 year wait........... and it is only about 37 years late.
I have not seen him since that day and I don't know what to expect or how I will react.
I am told the trial could last 7 to 10 days and I am not relishing the experience. He may offer a guilty plea to a reduced charge but I have no control whether it's acceptable to the state, so it's out of my hands.
It has been a 37 year wait........... and it is only about 37 years late.
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