Iain’s Blog

Friday 30th November 2007

Keran has had direct or indirect contact helping or assisting the following groups:

All parts of the local Scout Group, running Beavers, helping at Cubs and Scouts. Including the Christmas Bazaar (of which there will not be one this year).
Royal British Legion
Local Church
Local Schools
Drama Group
Shooting Star Trust
Save the Mothers fund - Asian Earthquake
Tsunami
Floods in Northern England 2007
Children in Need
Race for life - Cancer Appeal Fund
Individuals  - Young and Old
Childminding activities and trips
And many, many others! I actually forget.

Including my now on hold plan to start a Police & Emergency Service Museum to mark the work of all Emergency workers. That can wait until justice is served. 

This is the woman they say lost her temper, I challenge the experts to run a Beaver Scout Section x2 back to back. She would be in the thick of the action laughing with the kids and joining in.

When Keran voluntarily stood down whilst the “investigation” dragged on, I took over to make sure the section didn’t close (I only thought it would be a week - I did over a year - experts not around apparently……). The first night I had to come down, I had run Cubs and Scout Sections after Beavers I had to lie down with a thumping headache!

The Beaver Scout leaders of this world deserve medals…and earplugs!

Iain

Thursday 22nd November 2007

A few big thank yous to start off with.

A huge thank you to all those who have been getting the HQ up and running, cleaning, equipping and very soon to be staffing the building. We will be advertising the address soon, and hope to get a phone/fax number set up there too. The HQ is getting a lovely sign erected so you can all find us (although mind the guard dog).

There have also been two meetings this week, the first was the fundraising meeting on Monday night which really got the ball rolling. It was so nice to see Keran’s (our) children getting involved with their friends at fund raising ideas which will start next week. So many great ideas and so much work for people coming up (thanks in advance folks). Thanks to Debbie and the team for heading it up.

The HQ was christened on Tuesday night with a core team meeting, which helped draw things in focus. Alison, Nicci, Jo, Suzanne, Lisa, Sally, Alasdair and Larry all putting in their input and all those others involved in getting the rooms ready and kitted up.

The names of celebrities who may shortly be in a position to support, household names from TV and radio are commonly dropped into conversations which is freaky. But their names all come from real VIP’s and that’s all those of you that have stood up to support such a noble cause (justice) who are busy working behind the scenes.

New volunteers to help sift through statements and take new ones etc have come on board as have fresh fundraisers, medical staff etc. We have tried to tell Keran that she has such fantastic support but its hard for us all to get our heads round it, so I feel she is in the same boat!

Our family and friends that live outside this area are so impressed with the support round here some would like to house hunt!

The boys miss their mum still though and we hope to get their first visit sorted soon. Both are doing their mum and myself proud, she can have so much faith that so many of you are looking out for us all she is truly grateful. I am pleased to say I have now learnt to use the washing machine, the boys helped….apparently you have to turn them on?! There is some other machine called a drier - not sure what that does.

Apparently Yellow ribbons are popping up all over the area and the globe, some are trying to get the most unusual location to put a ribbon! You know who you are! But can’t wait to see the photos of where they end up!! Last I heard they had made the Midlands and were heading north! Mind you some will soon be heading to the artic circle! Now that is north!

But more seriously lets hope all this work can find answers for Maeve and her parents as well as Keran soon. With all this help we are making progress. But there are so many other cases being brought to the teams attention that makes us thing we have much to do after this tragic case.

Regards to all supporters

Iain

P.S.

One final thing whilst sat outside a local shop earlier, a song cam eon the radio which I didn’t quite listen to initially, mind was elsewhere, but the lyrics eventually struck me.

They went

‘Step out of the ordinary, I can feel my soul ascending, what have you done today to make you feel proud’?   M People

I know a whole lot of people who can hold their heads high!

Wednesday 21st November 2007

I was reading through a weekend newspaper (a couple of weekends ago - not keeping up with the papers much at the mo) when I saw an article involving a Paediatrician called Southall, who allegedly had been involved with splitting families, and carrying out ‘Sleep Studies’ on children in his care involving noxious gases.

One family mentioned have been shunned and their child injured to the point he now has 80% disability. This Dr also was involved in pointing an accusing finger at Sally Clarks husband (which resulted in the Dr being found guilty of professional misconduct) as he based the allegation on watching a TV show if I remember correctly and worse still the Police took notice of him, as he was an expert……

It did make me think this must stop, in some places these, experts, have accused whole communities in Rochdale and Cleveland virtually on seemingly not a lot. The strange thing is I remember reading them and now looking back realise whilst not overly suspicious, something wasn’t right. But when it happens to you it really brings into focus a whole lot more. I am truly frightened how easy it is to get a wrongful conviction.

Let’s hope the sole use of experts in cases stops immediately. Write to your MP! Demand it you have the power the politicians are only there ‘cos we let them!

Tuesday 20th November 2007

To all readers of this site, at times we can all get wrapped up in things, for me obviously at the moment it’s fighting the grave injustice my wife has suffered. But of course there are others all over the world facing hardships, many times greater, another disaster hits Bangladesh, and so many individual stories of great sadness.

I would like to kick myself up the backside for missing a few people’s birthdays and things (Keran would be normally on top of them). Also I have been so meaning to write to Sue Belcher another great lady who has done so much for the Scouts and others.

She is going through the mill herself at the moment, so please take a time to visit her blog. Take time to care as you all have done so fantastically for Keran.

You inspire me to do greater things. My faith in justice for example is low, but my faith in people is so high and that is down to all of you!

 

Saturday 17th November 2007

Hi,

Apparently this winter seasons colour will be yellow!

As it’s all I seem to be seeing around the local area, God bless all those on the climbing crew who have been making the area look like…..well something that’s really yellow! What a pleasure for me to see the families faces (including Keran’s Parents and my own as well as the kids) looking at all the yellow ribbons.

The meeting last night was superb a huge HUGE thank you to all that care! You will be rewarded one day by a whinging woman saying ‘OOOOOOOOh I don’t like all the fuss’. She really won’t like all the fuss, but she deserves it after what she has been through. I have seen some of the headlines from some of the papers and to say I am disappointed that they have yet to learn the lessons from Sally Clark and Angela Cannings etc. But Thank God some journalists have smelt a rat already! And things are starting to change.

Personally I don’t want to sell papers, or become a better known expert, or get promotion… I just want justice.

I would like to correct a couple of things I have heard were in some publications/websites etc. There was no aggression to the jury in the sense of threats etc as some say, personally I recall just clapping them, and saying several names of those who have been wrongfully convicted at the time, adding Keran’s.

Some may think that very sarcastic, but when you think of the saying sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. When faced with what we have had to face, sarcasm is actually levels way above where we are, or should I say where we have been.

The jury will have to live with the wailing of my wife as the realisation she would be taken away from her children hit her. As will all those others present in the court. But I do feel for the Jury as the CPS dumped this on them and then baffled them with Medical Mumbo Jumbo for week after week. So maybe I was wrong…but then so were they.

The other thing I feel should be corrected was a quote in a Police Interview during the trial about my Police Career, I left, I didn’t have to leave. After the state of the investigation and its more recent traumatic end result, they had done me in. Plus I was sick of the treatment by my force. My skills are better placed protecting others now. The Police in this case will be dealt with shortly through official channels. But thankfully so many (Police) colleagues (from around the globe) who know Keran, know it’s untrue and support her and us form the sidelines. They realise what Justice is and not a ‘result’.

Anyway back to the meeting I know there are so many more I have met today and heard from who couldn’t make last night and we will update those that want to help as to times etc of the next meeting. Hopefully we can get you all sat down this time (or we fund raise for Alison to get more chairs)

A big thanks to Alison and Simon for letting everyone trash their house, but also from me a big thanks to Kieron and Haydon for their support and ideas!

The kids of the area have been busy too setting up their own blogs and getting busy with the ribbons!  There were so many good ideas coming out of last night and teams to generate funds, researching various avenues, campaign issues etc.

We will also be looking to investigate the case a fresh, using ex Police Officers to review statements, take new ones (as people have come forward recently), carry out other Police style methods, interviews, surveillance etc. 

So watch this space for Justice its coming back to a village, town and country near you soon! 

P.S.

To quote one of the Police Officers in the case on seeing all Keran’s Supporters, Friends, Family etc. ‘oooh the Circus is in town’.

Yep it is……

And it’s staying!

 

Friday 16th November 2007

A staggering 45 people crammed into Alison’s front room last night for the first meeting of the campaign group fighting to free Keran. More details to follow shortly, but it was a great success. If you wish to attend the next meeting, please email your details (eg who you are!) to meetings@carers4carers.co.uk and we’ll let you know where and when in due course.

Monday 12th November 2007

The jury were out all day considering their verdict but had not reached a decision by the end of the day so were sent home.

They will be returning on Tuesday to continue their deliberations.

Sunday 11th November 2007 (further update)

After having attended todays Remembrance Service, always well attended and packed to the rafters. A verse caught my eye and hit home a few times.

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them saying;“Blessed are the poor inspirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisified”.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”.
“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God”.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.
“Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on  my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you”.

Sunday 11th November 2007

Apologies to the regular readers (and the new ones too) but some of our items have to be removed off the site until the end of the trial at the request of the prosecution. I have to confess to finding it all a little bizarre as one of the items especially was mentioned in open court (where anyone including anyone from the press can sit in).

The WEIRD thing is now you can find the ‘censored’ item on a press website that I had nothing to do with! iF YOU LOOK HARD ENOUGH - I will not tell you were in case they send me to a Labour Camp. I thought whilst in the Armed Services I was defending a democracy - I think what has happened I must have had a bad day with my map reading skills and instead of returning to the UK I actually ended up in East Germany (GDR).

Where you can’t say things said in open court (aka Free Speech) the land is covered with Cameras (the crime levels really have fallen don’t you think). Last night I observed a group of youths smash a window on the Village Hall about a foot away from the window is a camera - will they get caught? I tried ringing the Police Non Emergency number and gave up, it rang and rang. I will get a message to them but the camera will show nothing.

They still talk about issuing us all with ID Cards, that’ll stop the terrorists, if this ID card thing is so good why didn’t we use them to break the IRA etc? Hmmm……. Anyway didn’t the POW’s in Colditz etc always seem to make up fake papers and cards (uniforms and planes/gliders come to that) - where there is a will there’s a way.

Anyway now I know I live in a country where Innocent till proven guilty is gone, free speech gone, nanny state rules (with a big stick - they ate the carrot themselves), I can’t focus on an update without having to worry that we are being watched (and read) by the Prosecution (as we obviously know they like to suss out the site - maybe they are looking for their case?).

The Jury went out on Friday and stayed out 5hrs and 50mins without reaching a verdict so far. The tension is immense and no doubt the parents feel the same. As the judge said there stakes are high.

I still believe the tragedy is not one but two fold, anyone who is a parent and many that aren’t, will be able to empathise with the parents over the loss of their daughter. But also the other horror of being accused of this offence is something many could not imagine. Which is worse? I am not even going to attempt to answer that.

I feel some anger though as I wonder if the parents have been made aware of the lack of Scientific research backing up the experts and the rather extensive use of ‘a lot’ of experts. Someone said rather than one Professor Roy Meadows they have used twelve!

Why?

Well I have a great quote from one of the Prosecution Team which I will share with you another day - I daren’t print it now, as the 1984 Big Brother Team (not a TV Show) will swoop in and remove it! WON’T YOU…Not long though and all will be out in the public domain, the dirty tricks, Guantanamo Bay stuff and cheap stuff they have used will be exposed and dealt with.

I really find it hard to believe some people would stoop so low. I am not ashamed of the British Police and Justice system wholly as I know so many in it, but I know who would never lower themselves to these levels.

Having got messages from alot of you about you coming along to be there this coming week, all I would say is there is not alot of space in the public gallery so we may have to watch numbers in there each day. But as the judge said on Friday I would ask anyone attending when a verdict is finally given to act with respect and dignity. Whichever way it goes. As all the wrongs can be righted later and as mentioned earlier the Parents have suffered a huge loss and that should always be remembered.

Stay safe and pray that justice will be done.

Fiat Justicia

Friday 9th November 2007

The judge finished his summing up today and the jury retired to consider their verdict.

They spent the rest of the day in discussion and were finally sent home at 4.30pm without coming to a decision.

They will be returning on Monday morning to continue their deliberations.

Wednesday 7th November 2007

Update 5-11-07

I had to sit down today and listen to the closing speeches from the Prosecution………….Boy did they go on and on. Poor Jury. Not sure if she was trying to convince them or themselves had to say things twice at least twice if not thrice!

I am so glad I didn’t have to listen to all these people for the last month and more! I am not a medical expert but I reckon it could have made your ears bleed!

There is so much that came out of today, so much that I won’t even attempt to enter it all, I will save it for the Journal. Interesting comments attacking an expert they didn’t get (as he was away on holiday) but they had asked him…..two faced or bare faced? You decide.

Also did a bit of slating of Character witnesses in an oh so subtle way….had to rush at this point, the sun was going down. Some of them they had talked about calling themselves.

As God is my witness never have I been so disappointed in the ’system’.

But still standing and nearly our turn….

Fiat Justicia

Monday 5th November 2007

In some ways I hope that there won’t be too many of these in the future. I am not sure what I will have to do in the evenings……..answers on a postcard….actually don’t! It’s a family website.

Possibly by the end of next week this whole nightmare could be over (If not maybe the week after). So maybe there won’t be a need to keep you up to date on our case. However I was reading through a weekend newspaper and Keran had directed me to an article involving a Paediatrician called Southall. who allegedly had been involved with splitting families, and carrying out ‘Sleep Studies’ on children in his care involving noxious gases.

One family mentioned have been shunned and their child injured to the point he now has 80% disability. This Dr also was involved in pointing an accusing finger at Sally Clarks husband (which resulted in the Dr being found guilty of professional misconduct) as he based the allegation on watching a TV show if I remember correctly and worse still the Police took notice of him, as he was an expert……

It did make me think this must stop, in some places these, experts, have accused whole communities in Cleveland (and other places) on seemingly not a lot. The strange thing is I remember reading them and now looking back realise whilst not overly suspicious, something wasn’t right. But when it happens to you it really brings into focus a whole lot more.

As mentioned earlier, this week will be about closing speeches mainly and the jury going out. A lot of you are hoping to be there even at this late stage and my thanks go out to those that have been and those that are still to come along. To those that can’t make it, don’t worry, more and more people have been talking me into printing my journal so you can feel as you are there right down to all the times of people coming and going.

My intention is more for the family to see what went on when they are old enough. Although there may be some use for other people who may go through this after us (hopefully not too many). Thankfully we have witnesses to some of the things that have happened as otherwise people will thing some of the behaviour is that of fiction. Sadly not. 

More of that another day though.

The bit missing from the website the other week was the fact an American Pathologist had offered to come over and give his views, he believes I think it is 8 out of 10 cases of ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome’ are not SBS. Unfortunately he wasn’t allowed to give evidence on all the 3 parts of the SBS Triad.

We also would like to thank all of you who wrote Character References that we didn’t get to use. It would have taken a while to read through them all or call you in from all over the place. The CPS only used 12 experts (I wonder what that cost and why they had to use so many - I actually know the second answer) and we didn’t want to give them a complex by using many more witnesses!

I have started to compile a list of the rights and wrongs of this fiasco…not many rights at the moment (in more ways than one) and plenty of wrongs. So let’s hope once they are aired somebody may do something to change them.

It’s that time to sign off, I wish you all a good week and if you can just take a moment to spare Keran a thought at this time.

As always - Fiat Justicia

 

Friday 2nd November 2007

Another week nearly done and all the evidence has now been heard.

A bit of time with legal discussions then it should be Monday and Wednesday (Nothing on Tuesday) Closing Speeches then the Thursday should be the judges closing speech (all this is a rough guide).

A huge thanks to all those that took the stand. You literally did just that, you stood for what you believed in and that is Keran and Justice.

There was so much I wanted to say on the stand so it was down on record, but it can wait, as there are many more ways than one to skin a cat.

I know a lot of you have expressed a desire to be there in the final days (Mon/Weds/Thurs) as always you will be warmly welcomed……..for those that have been before you won’t find me outside the court 5 anymore although you may still see my arse cheek marks imprinted in the chair.

Some people get park benches named after them, me I am going to have a court room chair. We should all leave a mark on the world, I had hoped for more than arse cheek marks on a chair. Hey ho can’t have it all!

Keran is hanging on in there; the days are very draining, for all concerned no doubt. Maeve’s parents have had to endure the 5 weeks (plus more to come) and all the attention.

I have a feeling it has been said before but there really will be no winners in this case, the parents lost a daughter, which has to be the biggest loss any of us can face.

The rest of us have lost too, including the Police, CPS, NCMA, OFSTED etc in so many different ways.

The Prosecutors may place their faith in their case (which has more holes than a Grimsby Fishing Net in my opinion) with their 12 Experts………me I trust a Jury of 12 more! Let’s hope the faith is shown soon and Justice is finally done.

God bless to you all, hope to see you soon