The SS: Yes, The Acronym Has The Correct Associations For Our Social Services

The title link leads to what is far from the worst Social Services case of which I am personally aware. Fortunately, the Firm gave up its legal aid franchise some years ago and I no longer have to deal with dispiriting child care cases. This case, however, represents at a fairly average level, the arrogance, incompetence and self-confidence of our SS. That is why it is important. It is not an aberration.

It is the "self-confidence" that really grates. They never admit even the remotest possibility that they could be wrong. Once you come on to their radar; you are finished, your life is finished.

AND IT IS A LOTTERY WHETHER YOU ARE TARGETTED OR NOT!

This is the real disgrace. It is not about funding (although, it is about that as well). It is simply about which neighbour picks up the telephone and reports you.

Read the story; for once the Daily Mail have got it right.

The Wicked Messenger

Cyberthiefs are exploiting the genuine Madeleine McCann website by typosquatting.

These disgusting bastards include, according to The Times, "chat rooms, estate agents and dating sites".

Click on the title to view The Times's article.

I am a bit surprised that chat rooms and dating sites should resort to this practice. The fact that estate agents are involved causes no surprise whatsover.

I have met one honourable estate agent so they should not all be tarred with the same brush.

Name & Shame: I will publish a list of these miserable bastards once I have verified their status.

Madeleine, Frankie Lee and the Judas Priest

The Internet has ensured that there is nowhere on the planet that Madeleine McCann's kidnapper can hide.

The outpouring of prayer and support across the globe is touching and brings tears to even the most hardened cynic's eyes.

But the doomsayer in me says that it may also have hastened Madeleine's death.

He (it is almost certainly a he) is now the most cornered rat of all time. As such, he will resort to desperate measures without analysing the consequences.

Even as a non-believer, I pray not. But does prayer have power? Madeleine McCann's fate may thus be God's ultimate test.

He may already have failed you. I pray not.

The picture above symbolises the most perfect of happy families. No-one but a sadistic pervert would seek to render it asunder. Unfortunately, the rat knows that and his instinct for self preservation may lead him into unthinkable territory.

Children's Evidence

I have been told off recently (severely criticised would be another way of putting it) for trying to present a child's point of view via a letter sent by the child to me. This was in the context of a financial dispute between the parents but the child's views were highly relevant to the outcome. Who was the child going to live with and how did that impact on their respective financil needs?

I was therefore heartened to read the following case:

LM v Medway

In that case, the child was 10. Her evidence was relevant.

OK, it was care proceedings.

My "child" was 17 and her evidence was not only irrelevant but an "abuse".