This is only to do with the neglect issue, not any other issues that may or may not be proved later.
I think a suspended sentence would be appropriate along with community service. I think its important a criminal record is placed on them so they learn their lesson as they clearly havent since at worst they were 'naive'.
2007-08-28 22:49:25 · 35 answers · asked by Anonymous in News & Events ➔ Current Events
You want us to punish them! They are doing that themselves.
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Nancy,
What more signals do you need- they have lost their child. Surely that's a clear enough signal!
2007-08-28 23:02:59 · answer #1 · answered by toietmoi 6 · 9⤊ 14⤋
I agree with a suspend setence or community service BUT I also think there needs to be some sort of check system to make sure the other two children are being properly cared for. Maybe for a year or two. I hope they learned that you never leave children that young unattended and that they will better protect the twins
2007-08-29 01:51:23 · answer #2 · answered by fresh_horses_7 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the children should be on the at risk register and both parents should take parenting classes .
The children and family should be monitored by social services
Once they have been through the system i believe they will never be naive again when it comes to their children's welfare
2007-08-29 07:31:58 · answer #3 · answered by sammie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On a previous post someone said that they would be under UK law in Portugal because they are only vistors to Portugal. I don't know, I am only repeating what someone else said
Perhaps a lawyer on here could enlighten us ?
2007-08-29 01:40:06 · answer #4 · answered by little weed 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well this is the issue - it happened in Portugal SO THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE IN THE UK. Any action would have to happen in Portugal.
At the VERY MOST there would be a Social Services report done on them, which of course they will pass with flying colours.
- "Do you regularly leave your kids alone?"
- "Oh NO! it was a one off, never done it before and never will again...."
- "Okay - well we will have to take your word for it as there is no proof otherwise"
- "(Smirk) - Yes, Yes you will !!!!"
The only other option would be if someone was to take out a private prosecution against them which would be impossible as:
- Loads of money in the fund to use on clever lawyers
- They would say that they cannot defend themselves as there is a lot of information they cannot say as it may affect a future court case over Maddy
- Anyone taking such action will be classed as a bully and be vilified by the press.
2007-08-28 23:41:23 · answer #5 · answered by David 5 · 4⤊ 5⤋
They need to be charged & have a trial first & if convicted maybe the punishment should fit the crime.
2007-08-31 07:55:57 · answer #6 · answered by fizzywo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if it went before any judge whether in Portugal or the UK then they would be deemed to have suffered enough. Prison benefits no one. The courts would take into condideration the other kids welfare. I doubt it will go that far. I don't believe the CPS in either country would go ahead with any action.
I may be wrong, but certain crimes committed by UK citizens abroad, can still face the courts in the UK.
2007-08-28 23:40:45 · answer #7 · answered by soñador 7 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Strict caution from the Portuguese about their actions and warned that if they return to Portugal with children they will be monitored. In the UK their previous behaviour should be investigated for the sake of the twins. If they think there is nothing wrong with leaving children alone then they should be investigated as their parenting style is way off track and they need lessons on parental behaviour. If neglect is found to have taken place in the UK then they should be referred to the police/CPS
2007-08-28 23:05:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 5⤋
People who have flown off on holiday leaving the kids behind have not received this punishment, not even time in jail, in the UK.
2007-08-29 00:24:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
My personal view is that the twins should be taken off them and given to a couple who can be trusted to look after them correctly. I think if Gerry and Kate really do love their kids then this would be a suitable punishment.
2007-08-28 23:53:22 · answer #10 · answered by Unhinged.... 5 · 2⤊ 5⤋
I think whatever the standard punishment is for this crime. I do agree with you however. I think parenting classes should be included in that. They should be held accountable somehow. I do realize they are suffering terribly for their actions on that night but if I got in my car after drinking and hurt or killed my child or anyone for that matter I would certainly have to live with my guilt and be punishing myself forever emotionally and mentally but I still broke the law and would need to survive my time legally for it as well.
2007-08-28 22:56:15 · answer #11 · answered by Ladybugs77 6 · 10⤊ 4⤋