It seems like rumours and suspicions have solidified today. So I was genuinely interested to see who was presenting the 10 o’clock news this evening – and how the current BBC-related story was covered.

  • Arrakis@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    The cynical part of me is assuming the presenter is paying the lawyer/coaching the kid on what to say, and this is just damage control to try and save their career/reputation.

    • Leraje@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Probably. There’s just something a bit off about all this.

      We might not ever know for sure. If the young man isn’t going to go to the Police then there’s not much they can do. If he’s denying anything illegal or even inappropriate took place I’m not sure if the parents have any way to proceed do they?

      • Arrakis@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        I wouldn’t think there would be a reason to proceed if the victim says they aren’t actually a victim (but I don’t know much about law!). I don’t imagine The Sun would have cared about “seeking justice” or whatever the parents say they want, only the sniff of sellable pseudo-scandal.

        • Leraje@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          I honestly wouldn’t trust The Sun if they reported grass was green.

          I’d assume the Police will at least want to interview the young man but if he continues to deny it all I guess we’ll never hear the man officially be named.

          • Arrakis@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            It’s a shame, his reputation is shot regardless of whether there was any wrongdoing.

            • Leraje@lemmy.world
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              1 year ago

              I mean, at the end of the day a middle aged man having a relationship with a 17yo is at best a bit icky. Maybe not illegal though, depending on who’s version of events you believe.

        • Hogger85b@kbin.social
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          1 year ago

          I’m not saying anything at all even happened …but if somthing did, soliciting a minor (under18) is illegal even if the victim “consents” the law says they can’t. Like you can’t volunteer to be murdered.

          • Arrakis@lemmy.world
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            1 year ago

            Isn’t it only soliciting a minor when they’re under the age of consent (16)? From what I’ve read on this story, the only crime is the creation of images since they weren’t legally an adult at 17. (I could be wrong though!)

            • Hogger85b@kbin.social
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              1 year ago

              Ianal but think it is 18 if any sort of payment is involved…also if taking pictures is involved.

              It’s a stupid paradox of UK law that you can have sex at 16 but not send a picture until 18

              So if they were just in a relationship with no payments and no pictures it would be legal.

        • Bleeping Lobster@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          The police will almost certainly be salivating at the prospect of being able to wash their hands of another case. From a recent experience involving my dad (a disabled pensioner with cancer) being attacked, they just don’t give a shit if there’s even a hint of complication. “Ehhhh not really my problem, paperwork too much hassle” kind of attitude.