What to do if falsely accused.

First of all, if you are accused of child abuse, either sexual or physical, do not talk to anyone without a solicitor present. The Police will try every trick in the book to get you to incriminate yourself. From the ubiquitous good cop, bad cop routine to physical threats, psychological manipulation like promises of going home to your loved ones to threats of never being allowed to see them again. And all manner of other sneaky and nefarious tricks in their arsenal of "fair evidence gathering and interrogation techniques"

Once released on bail, get yourself a solicitor that specialises in this sort of case. To find one in your area, click HERE

Record everything you can remember about what you were doing, where you were etc in the time leading up to the allegations. Also be prepared, from now on, to keep meticulous records of your future movements. Times, dates, location etc. It could all help in your defence case.

Try to figure out in your own mind, what could possibly have happened to cause your own child to turn against you. Question, or have questioned on your behalf, friends, neighbours, teachers, social workers, family doctor etc to try and build up a profile of the sort of life your child is or has been living, and that you were unaware of.

Gather around you if possible, people who believe in you, and more importantly, in your innocence. Right now, you can't have to many friends.

Have no faith in the British Justice System, because none exists, and prepare yourself mentally to become the latest victim of false conviction.

Please, DO NOT do what I did. Some may see my actions as stupid and irrational, particularly admitting to something I didn't do, but if you knew just how ill I was at the time, perhaps you could understand. Others may see my plea of guilty in court to be laudable, after all, I protected my family, and especially my daughter against the humiliation of appearing in court, and perjuring herself. That is how strong my love was for her. IT IS NOT WORTH IT! No one person should accept responsibility for anothers actions, only to have it thrown back in their face, no matter how well intentioned.

If you are falsely convicted and given a custodial sentence, then you will be expected to attend the SOTP as part of your illegal incarceration. You are under no obligation whatsoever to attend this course, although none attendance may well affect the length of time you spend behind bars.

If your barristers says you have no grounds with which to appeal, don't accept this as cast in stone.  That is only their opinion. Some barristers also have an ulterior motive for not appealing a conviction.  They want to become judges themselves and would not dream of criticising a judge's summing up in case it hinders their progress up their judicial career ladder.  Fortunately, there are decent barristers out there who will take your case on.  You may need to change your defence team or retain the services of the one you already have.  In either case, you can contact www.appealpanel.org for further advice."

Finally, if you are one of the lucky ones not to be falsely convicted, please use your experience to help others.