In my previous post, "What is a Forensic Psychiatrist?, I mentioned a recent trial in which I testified. It concerned a father accused of repeatedly sexually abusing his son. The allegations were straightforward and horrible. Yet, the investigation was very poor. And that is what I said in my testimony. I did not opine on who was telling the truth. There was not much the now 6-year-old boy could say on the witness stand. He couldn't even be sworn in because the judge was unable to get him to understand an oath.
So, after 10 hours of deliberation, the jury came back with a guilty verdict. The man faces a sentence that can range from 10 years to life all the way to 25 years to life. If he did molest his son, he certainly deserves a long sentence. But what if he didn't? What if he is innocent?
In the early stages of the investigation, the DA made a plea offer to the father: plead guilty to a lesser charge and, although you'll have to register as a sex offender, we won't send you to prison. The father refused, saying he was innocent and didn't want to plead guilty to anything.
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Only the father and son know whether this abuse really happened or not. If his appeal fails, he will be sent to prison. It's a sad story, whatever is the truth.
Stephen
