Forum Topic

Boy Accused of Murdering Richard Bowes

He is 16 according to the radio and came to court with his 31 year old mother. This means that she was 14 or 15 when the boy was conceived. Whilst I don't believe that a person's background can provide total mitigation for crimes they commit it is hard to see how life would have a happy outcome for this child.One thing that really should be considered is whether or not the State should put the onus on underage mothers to prove they can bring up a newborn properly and if not those children should be promptly given up for adoption.

Katherine Kieslowski ● 5347d11 Comments

'Having a baby when barely an adult is for some of the girls the only exit route from living in a violent household - especially when the mum know that the Council have got to house her.'I admit this is so as obtaining social housing is very difficult. However going down this route to escape a violent father is not something I have come across though I am not lacking in experience of social service provision.

Graham Weeks ● 5344d

Having a baby when barely an adult is for some of the girls the only exit route from living in a violent household - especially when the mum know that the Council have got to house her.It is naive to ignore that young mums are afraid of violence from the fathers. It happens.I think we still have the highest number in Europe with young single girls becoming mothers.Also I believe we are now the most densely, (or nearly so)populated country in Europe.We either have a sea change and have birth and strict immigration control or we step gradually towards the high rise blocks and way of life in places like Shanghai.

George Knox ● 5346d

IIRC not one in a hundred unwanted pregnancies resuts in adoption.

Graham Weeks ● 5346d

No. It is saying that if you choose to drive and have an accident involving another vehicle whose driver shares responsibility for the accident, then you refuse to name the other driver involved, you should not expect the insurance to pay out full whack.

Graham Weeks ● 5346d

We don't allow people under 17 to drive cars on the assumption they are more likely to have accidents. We can't stop people under 16 having children but all the evidence suggests that the outcome for the baby is likely to be unsatisfactory. Of course there will be exceptions but in general I think the mother and her family should have to convince social services that immediate adoption isn't the best option.

Katherine Kieslowski ● 5346d

Isn't that like saying someone can only pass their driving test if they can prove they will not have any accidents? Otherwise they should be forced to walk or cycle.

Ben Owen ● 5346d

That one is serious. Why should my taxes pay for other peoples' irresponsibility? Fathers should be there for their children.

Graham Weeks ● 5347d

Well you're a bundle of laughs aren't you Graham.

Kirsty Murdoch ● 5347d

I have heard various reasons why women will not name the father but fear of violence was not among the,.

Graham Weeks ● 5347d

And then get beaten up?

George Knox ● 5347d

And if a single mother will not or cannot name the father then her benefits should be at a lower level.

Graham Weeks ● 5347d