Hearts suspend Thomson (MERGED)

[Kaiser1962]

As usual the scottish media has blown something completly out of the water. If they showed the full story nobody would be this interested.

If you meet a girl while clubbing you suspect she legal, if her age is hiden on social network sites what do we do. Do we start id'ing girls when you buy them a drink.

The boy made a mistake. Funny feeling he is well aware of this fact. There are millions of people a lot worse than thomo yet do they get the press no they get put on a list just like him but they could be living next door to you right now. away and witch hunt them.

PATHETIC

Only one thing pathetic and thats you. One of them was a family friend whom he had known since she was six. Both girls were in their own homes, perhaps fortunately in some respects.

However I would say that if the "mitigating circumstances" are what I suspect they are then all concerned at Hearts should just shut up and let this story die and move it on.

The only thing that makes me doubt myself here is that surely Fat Jim would know in this case, and it would appear he dosent (no change there then!) and no further charges have followed this, which I would have expected.

It dosent excuse Thomson but it's a bizarre set of circumstances to say the least.

[Kaiser1962]

So everybody reckons he was "unlucky" enough to be caught with his first 2 victims. I doubt it very much as sex cases usually get away with it for a while before being caught. Very possibly a lot of young girls out there with an interesting screensaver on ther pc.

Research has shown that for every conviction there are usually 30 more offences.

[Hibby D]

As usual the scottish media has blown something completly out of the water. If they showed the full story nobody would be this interested.

What is the full story then - enlighten us!

If you meet a girl while clubbing you suspect she legal, if her age is hiden on social network sites what do we do. Do we start id'ing girls when you buy them a drink.

Maybe best not to buy them a drink if you're in the least bit doubtful of their age

The boy made a mistake. Funny feeling he is well aware of this fact. There are millions of people a lot worse than thomo yet do they get the press no they get put on a list just like him but they could be living next door to you right now. away and witch hunt them.

Are you serious?????? A mistake??? He's been found guilty of a series of offences. That's one hell of a lot of "mistakes". Silly silly "thomo" :rolleyes:

PATHETIC

That's one description :bitchy:

[(((Fergus)))]

Is it not possible to block certain users on Facebook?

[Jack]

If you read what I wrote, I agree with you fully and I think any right-thinking company would back out of any agreements with them (Wonga aren't exactly known for morals, mind). But it's obvious some here are taking maximum pleasure out of sticking their oar in. Surely if we're that disgusted by Hearts behaviour, we shouldn't be taking pleasure out of this so much? For me it just cheapens the whole thing.

Maybe that's just me.

I see supporting my team as doing just that, getting behind Hibs.

I also see why people would seek to weaken the opposition. I don’t think I’ll write to anyone, but it did cross my mind :devil:


Seemingly CT has issued a statement through his lawyer

Craig Thomson asks fans to 'respect the judgement' of the court and club


Hearts player Craig Thomson has asked fans to “respect the judgement” of the court and club over his conviction for sex offences.

In a statement issued to STV News through his solicitor, Thomson points out that the sheriff who heard his case “did not consider him to be a risk to the public”.
It comes as sponsors pull out of deals with Hearts and schools cancel visits to the club’s training ground over their decision to keep the defender on.

The statement said: "Craig Thomson would ask the Hearts fans and wider public to respect the judgement both of the court and Heart of Midlothian Football Club; to recognise that the Sheriff who heard all the relevant facts and circumstances did not consider him to be a risk to the public and accordingly did not impose any restrictions on his movements or association with young people."

http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/news/260303-craig-thomson-asks-fans-to-respect-the-judgement-of-the-court-and-club/

It looks to me from that hearts are trying to minimise the seriousness of his crime with a view to punting him. Immoral mercenary *******s. :rolleyes:

[half.time.draw.]

Both these girls were sisters, if there were others the police will know, they have his internet history surely.

[Beefster]

Both these girls were sisters, if there were others the police will know, they have his internet history surely.

I don't think this is true. As far as I know, this myth has stemmed from the fact that the Sunday Mail story said that Thomson was friendly with his 12 year old victim's older sister and went to school with her.

[Twa Cairpets]

Hearts have suspended Thomson with immediate effect. On their official website - "no further comment will be made".

Good.

[degenerated]

Hearts have suspended Thomson with immediate effect. On their official website - "no further comment will be made".

Good.

too little too late, they have already shown their true colours on this

[Beefster]

Hearts have suspended Thomson with immediate effect. On their official website - "no further comment will be made".

Good.

Purely down to pressure from Umbro and others. Make no mistake, Hearts want to keep him employed.

[1875er]

too little too late, they have already shown their true colours on this

This.

[Hibernia Na Eir]

too late

[bawheid]

Suspended for how long?

He should have been sacked - minutes after the courts declared his conviction.

[Benny Brazil]

Suspended for how long?

He should have been sacked - minutes after the courts declared his conviction.

Until all the media attention blows over probably.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Perhaps further details have been found.

[degenerated]

Perhaps further details have been found.

doubt it, this is purely a financial decision. And it'll just be a short term measure until the heat dies down, they'll still keep him on.

[Mac]

Until all the media attention blows over probably.

exactly, lets not all get carried away here, this will hope to defuse the situation until it calms down, he is still an employee and still being paid, if they were serious he would be emptied.

[half.time.draw.]

I know its true, I haveknown the familys for all my life.

[easty]

Perhaps further details have been found.

They've only just realised that when he said he had a picture of Natalie Portman on the back of his locker door it was actually from when she was in Leon...:devil:

[IndieHibby]

Just when you thought they couldn't make the situation worse, they find a way.

Why do they think this will be accepted by those who consider their initial response unacceptable?

Surely they realise that people don't want a peadophile employed by a club which markets their brand to children?

They are sticking two-finders up to everyone (victim, family, police, courts, sponsors, fans, joe-public) by this action.

It's as if they are begrudgingly forced into a response, and consider people weak and stupid enough to say "well, that's all right then"

No, it bloody well isn't!

SACK HIM. Nothing less will do.

[flash]

exactly, lets not all get carried away here, this will hope to defuse the situation until it calms down, he is still an employee and still being paid, if they were serious he would be emptied.

so have they come across new info or, as one would suspect, is this purely a reaction to pressure?

either way they dont look clever.

[lucky]

It's a start. But the mad one will fight all the way.

[Phil D. Rolls]

I suspect an Open Letter has found its way to the club. Also there is a six fingered man sitting in a Ford Capri outside the PBS playing "Young Girl" at full blast from his car stereo.

It's sensible to act now before things get nasty and Russian hats start to kick round. It's getting closer to that all the time. Mr Romanov is no fool, he'll have seen Callum MacWullie (or is it Wullie MacCallum) on telly last night, and knows that THEY MEAN BUSINESS!!!

[KeithTheHibby]

Why suspend and not sack him???

That club really know how to make a James Hunt of things.

[Beefster]

I know its true, I haveknown the familys for all my life.

Fair dos.

Any idea why the mother in the Sunday Mail didn't mention the older daughter being a victim too? Everything in the Sunday Mail, including the mother of the 12 year old's comments, suggested that the 14 year old victim (that he was convicted for) was from another family.

[FastEddieFelson]

there's a "well done hearts" thread on kickback.

deary me.

[KeithTheHibby]

Just when you thought they couldn't make the situation worse, they find a way.

Why do they think this will be accepted by those who consider their initial response unacceptable?

Surely they realise that people don't want a peadophile employed by a club which markets their brand to children?

They are sticking two-finders up to everyone (victim, family, police, courts, sponsors, fans, joe-public) by this action.

It's as if they are begrudgingly forced into a response, and consider people weak and stupid enough to say "well, that's all right then"

No, it bloody well isn't!

SACK HIM. Nothing less will do.


If they do it won't be because they want to, it will be down to peer pressure and the loss of revenue.

The image of the club has been tarnished beyond repair whatever course of action is taken.

[Betty Boop]

I suspect an Open Letter has found its way to the club. Also there is a six fingered man sitting in a Ford Capri outside the PBS playing "Young Girl" at full blast from his car stereo.

It's sensible to act now before things get nasty and Russian hats start to kick round. It's getting closer to that all the time. Mr Romanov is no fool, he'll have seen Callum MacWullie (or is it Wullie MacCallum) on telly last night, and knows that THEY MEAN BUSINESS!!!

I just heard Shaun Lawson on Five Live, congratulating Hearts on their decision, but warning Romanov not to come out with another 'incoherent diatribe'. :greengrin

[itchy07]

if they sack him now can he sue them for unfair dismissal? They said themselves there was No reason he couldn't return to training. (there words), so why sack him now. His lawyer will have a field day. Beast should of been booted as soon as he was convicted.

[KeithTheHibby]

there's a "well done hearts" thread on kickback.

deary me.

Bunch of deluded halfwits.

[TheMentalHibees]

Whilst this may blow over eventually in the press, what won't be forgotten is Hearts acceptance and defending of a registered pedophile. That will always be remembered, and theres no way for them to escape it.

[ElginHibee]

if they sack him now can he sue them for unfair dismissal? They said themselves there was No reason he couldn't return to training. (there words), so why sack him now. His lawyer will have a field day. Beast should of been booted as soon as he was convicted.

This is what I was wondering. Surely there's some recourse if you are disciplined then re-disciplined because as a PR exercise.

The idiots should have sacked him when he plead guilty. Hopefully their greed will land them further in it.

[half.time.draw.]

Cant and wont give details mate, but its the same family.

[1two]

The exact wording is;

Hearts today announces that Craig Thomson has been suspended with immediate effect.
No further comment will be made by the club.
………

No apology, no further comment, they really truly are a sickening club.

The damage is already done. He should have been sacked as soon as he pled guilty.
If it had been done there and then they could have said it's for the safety of others and his own, left it a that and moved on.
They might have even came out this with some pride and dignity that the right thing was done.

These disgusting people live in our society, it's just an unfortunate fact. He's been dealt with by the law and we need to accept that but he is and always will be a danger and should never be allowed to work in such a high profile job especially where there is contact with youngsters.

The thing that is really horrific about the whole episode is that it took sponsors to stop funding before they considered that. The only reason they kept him originally is down to potentially receiving a future transfer fee.

It's sickening and taking my green tinted specs off for a minute I honestly can't think of another club or company that would have treated this the way hearts have.

[--------]

Emm, no they haven't. Your example means jack as well as he knew fine well the ages of these girls. He is a sick minded paedophile - simple as that.

There's a LOT more behind all this than has come out yet. Thomson took advantage of a law that allows offenders who plead guilty early in the proceedings to get off with a much lighter sentence than if the case comes to trial.

IMO this law should never have been framed in the way it has been - predatory paedophiles like Thomson can manipulate it to effectively escape the proper consequences of their actions, which IMO should ALWAYS be jail-time and a life-ban from any employment that brings them into any sort of close contact with children and young teenagers.

I have friends and colleagues in the police, the prison service, the children's panel, church youth organisations like the BB, and in football. I am absolutely certain that the 'mitigating circumstances' that Hearts have alluded to do not exist. On the contrary, Thomson has got off very lightly indeed. Furthermore, I would be VERY surprised if he didn't remain a seriously dangerous young man, devious, manipulative, and concerned only with the gratification of his own nasty proclivities without getting caught.

I share folks' low opinion of the red-top papers. However, Thomson himself has been protected by the fact that those papers are restricted in what they can print in cases like this. He's also been protected by the FACT that many victims of sexual predators don't come forward even after their abuser has been discovered. It's just too painful, and they know too well that they'll be subjected to the "Well, she must have been asking for it" sort of reactions that are more than evident on this thread.

There are this guy's victims who haven't yet come forward; there are others who probably never will.

What folks don't seem to be taking into account is the fact that Thomson's predations have damaged the work and reputation of any number of decent, conscientious people working in with young people in football. the guys who work with the Hibs youngsters, the Falkirk youngsters, the Airdrie youngsters, the kids at Livi, at Motherwell, at Dunfermline, wherever, are tainted by what Thomson has done. Parents read the papers, and then wonder whether since Thomson was preying on children, are THEIR kids' coached doing the same? Even if it's only for an instant, the thought's there, and the seed of distrust has been sown.

And there are others who even now are taking Thomson as an excuse for their own behaviour - if HE does it, then it's OK for them to do it. Footballers ARE role-models, and Thomson is a role-model commending paedophilia to some football fans as 'acceptable if you can find a half-reasonable excuse'.

The ONLY reasonable response to paedophile behaviour is "Zero Tolerance". Society and the media need to clean up their act, IMO; children are sexualised far too early in their lives these days. And wherever children are around, their protection should be top priority - not finance, not the human rights of the predatory abuser, not the reputation of the institution, and certainly not the concealment of past misjudgements on the part of people in positions of authority and influence. Keeping children safe.

[Phil D. Rolls]

If they do it won't be because they want to, it will be down to peer pressure and the loss of revenue.

The image of the club has been tarnished beyond repair whatever course of action is taken.

Hearts have no peers, they are in a league of their own.


I just heard Shaun Lawson on Five Live, congratulating Hearts on their decision, but warning Romanov not to come out with another 'incoherent diatribe'. :greengrin

Kind of like Katy Price telling teenage girls to act with more dignity is it not?


Whilst this may blow over eventually in the press, what won't be forgotten is Hearts acceptance and defending of a registered pedophile. That will always be remembered, and theres no way for them to escape it.

I don't know about that, we are the only people who seem to remember the Rix affair. I suspect, from talking to fans of other clubs (Sheep, Raith Rovers, Arabs) that it isn't that big a talking point for them.

[Phil D. Rolls]

In this story the 18 year old claims it was 3 years ago. She would have been 15 the paedo would have been 17. It is different. I doubt very much that there are a group of grirls who have been abused by CT called Thommo's club. The man is **** but this paper is no better


The exact wording is;

Hearts today announces that Craig Thomson has been suspended with immediate effect.
No further comment will be made by the club.
………

No apology, no further comment, they really truly are a sickening club.

The damage is already done. He should have been sacked as soon as he pled guilty.
If it had been done there and then they could have said it's for the safety of others and his own, left it a that and moved on.
They might have even came out this with some pride and dignity that the right thing was done.

These disgusting people live in our society, it's just an unfortunate fact. He's been dealt with by the law and we need to accept that but he is and always will be a danger and should never be allowed to work in such a high profile job especially where there is contact with youngsters.

The thing that is really horrific about the whole episode is that it took sponsors to stop funding before they considered that. The only reason they kept him originally is down to potentially receiving a future transfer fee.

It's sickening and taking my green tinted specs off for a minute I honestly can't think of another club or company that would have treated this the way hearts have.

I don't know much about employment law, but it could be there are good reasons why they are not able to comment further. :dunno:

[scott7_0(Prague)]

Whilst this may blow over eventually in the press, what won't be forgotten is Hearts acceptance and defending of a registered pedophile. T

For the second time.

[Twa Cairpets]

There's a LOT more behind all this than has come out yet. Thomson took advantage of a law that allows offenders who plead guilty early in the proceedings to get off with a much lighter sentence than if the case comes to trial.

IMO this law should never have been framed in the way it has been - predatory paedophiles like Thomson can manipulate it to effectively escape the proper consequences of their actions, which IMO should ALWAYS be jail-time and a life-ban from any employment that brings them into any sort of close contact with children and young teenagers.

I have friends and colleagues in the police, the prison service, the children's panel, church youth organisations like the BB, and in football. I am absolutely certain that the 'mitigating circumstances' that Hearts have alluded to do not exist. On the contrary, Thomson has got off very lightly indeed. Furthermore, I would be VERY surprised if he didn't remain a seriously dangerous young man, devious, manipulative, and concerned only with the gratification of his own nasty proclivities without getting caught.

I share folks' low opinion of the red-top papers. However, Thomson himself has been protected by the fact that those papers are restricted in what they can print in cases like this. He's also been protected by the FACT that many victims of sexual predators don't come forward even after their abuser has been discovered. It's just too painful, and they know too well that they'll be subjected to the "Well, she must have been asking for it" sort of reactions that are more than evident on this thread.

There are this guy's victims who haven't yet come forward; there are others who probably never will.

What folks don't seem to be taking into account is the fact that Thomson's predations have damaged the work and reputation of any number of decent, conscientious people working in with young people in football. the guys who work with the Hibs youngsters, the Falkirk youngsters, the Airdrie youngsters, the kids at Livi, at Motherwell, at Dunfermline, wherever, are tainted by what Thomson has done. Parents read the papers, and then wonder whether since Thomson was preying on children, are THEIR kids' coached doing the same? Even if it's only for an instant, the thought's there, and the seed of distrust has been sown.
And there are others who even now are taking Thomson as an excuse for their own behaviour - if HE does it, then it's OK for them to do it. Footballers ARE role-models, and Thomson is a role-model commending paedophilia to some football fans as 'acceptable if you can find a half-reasonable excuse'.

The ONLY reasonable response to paedophile behaviour is "Zero Tolerance". Society and the media need to clean up their act, IMO; children are sexualised far too early in their lives these days. And wherever children are around, their protection should be top priority - not finance, not the human rights of the predatory abuser, not the reputation of the institution, and certainly not the concealment of past misjudgements on the part of people in positions of authority and influence. Keeping children safe.

Spot on Doddie. I've been involved in youth football for years, and the importance of ensuring correct procedures and standards relating to child protection has always been paramount, and rightly so. We have lots of girls playing football now, and it sickens me that even one parent may think twice about letting their daughters (or sons) get involved in football, all because of this creature.

[Hibrandenburg]

The sad thing is that while inside Scotland it's a huge smudge on the reputation of HOMFC, unfortunately as far as the outside world is concerned we've all been tarred with the same brush.

[scott7_0(Prague)]

The sad thing is that while inside Scotland it's a huge smudge on the reputation of HOMFC, unfortunately as far as the outside world is concerned we've all been tarred with the same brush.

Not sure about that. Over here i CZ it was on the national news and mainly focused on Hearts only, Hearts had a decent reputation here due to the Czech players past and present, but in the last few months all you hear about Hearts is, Lennon, CT etc.

[MacBean]

As usual the scottish media has blown something completly out of the water. If they showed the full story nobody would be this interested.

If you meet a girl while clubbing you suspect she legal, if her age is hiden on social network sites what do we do. Do we start id'ing girls when you buy them a drink.

The boy made a mistake. Funny feeling he is well aware of this fact. There are millions of people a lot worse than thomo yet do they get the press no they get put on a list just like him but they could be living next door to you right now. away and witch hunt them.

PATHETIC


What an absolute farce of a comment!! You are well and truly 'pathetic' even trying to defend this animal of a man.

NO sex offender deserves any respect nor should it be put to bed. Okay hes not in the same frame as Fritzl, but he is a CONVICTED sex offender, and has probably got away with 10 other cases knowing how Sex Offender cases go.

You mention something about meeting a girl clubbing!?
1. onee was 12! if you cant tell someone is 12 then you're a proper moron.
2. When has this Thomson case ever been about clubbing? he pinned them out in their house.
He is as sick as Fritzl in the head, and im glad the paedo has been stopped before he can do some real damage to a youngster.
You deserve hounding for this comment mate.

[AndyM_1875]

I don't know about that, we are the only people who seem to remember the Rix affair. I suspect, from talking to fans of other clubs (Sheep, Raith Rovers, Arabs) that it isn't that big a talking point for them.

True, true and thrice true.

I work all over Scotland and down south and the most "noise" I have read and hear about this whole sordid tale is from concerned Hearts fans and us Hibs fans.
I mentioned it to a Rangers supporting friend and he shrugged his shoulders and said "I really don't know that much about it". Another Celtc supporting colleague said "I've not really been following it, manna from heaven for the tabloid rags I guess." They are more concerned with their own clubs pre-seasons and who they might sign than any of this.

The cynic in me says that in a few days time the tabloids will lose interest and we'll be into the pre-season schedule and the Old Firm will dominate the back pages and the usual vacuous reality crap will be on the front pages.
Perhaps I'm wrong but I doubt it.

[Hibrandenburg]

Hear all stories are staring with Scottish side Homfc.......
People will eventually forget the Homfc part but will remember that it happened in the Scottish league.

[Sean1875]

What an absolute farce of a comment!! You are well and truly 'pathetic' even trying to defend this animal of a man.

NO sex offender deserves any respect nor should it be put to bed. Okay hes not in the same frame as Fritzl, but he is a CONVICTED sex offender, and has probably got away with 10 other cases knowing how Sex Offender cases go.

You mention something about meeting a girl clubbing!?
1. onee was 12! if you cant tell someone is 12 then you're a proper moron.
2. When has this Thomson case ever been about clubbing? he pinned them out in their house.
He is as sick as Fritzl in the head, and im glad the paedo has been stopped before he can do some real damage to a youngster.
You deserve hounding for this comment mate.

:agree: People need to remember that CT was actually asking these underagers for sex showing he was perfectly willing to go the full way.

[Phil D. Rolls]

What an absolute farce of a comment!! You are well and truly 'pathetic' even trying to defend this animal of a man.

NO sex offender deserves any respect nor should it be put to bed. Okay hes not in the same frame as Fritzl, but he is a CONVICTED sex offender, and has probably got away with 10 other cases knowing how Sex Offender cases go.

You mention something about meeting a girl clubbing!?
1. onee was 12! if you cant tell someone is 12 then you're a proper moron.
2. When has this Thomson case ever been about clubbing? he pinned them out in their house.
He is as sick as Fritzl in the head, and im glad the paedo has been stopped before he can do some real damage to a youngster.
You deserve hounding for this comment mate.

Without commenting on the Thomson case (I believe he knew how old the girls were), can I just say I have worked with girls who are 12 but can easily be mistaken for 18. They have fully developed bodies, and dress like adults. It is very difficult to protect these vulnerable kids.

I don't think the second bit in bold is very helpful. We won't get anywhere in tackling this issue if people keep coming out with ill founded remarks like yours. As for saying the guy should be hounded for trying to bring some balance to the argument, that's just scary.

[Hibernia Na Eir]

When are Hearts gettin done for the fan assault on the Celtic manager?

[AndyM_1875]

When are Hearts gettin done for the fan assault on the Celtic manager?

Wrong thread but for the record - I couldn't care less. Two vile horrible clubs.

[Hibernian Verse]

It's pretty easy not to read stuff about Craig Thomson when the thread title is Craig Thomson.

I didn't say I wasn't interested in the topic, I was merely stating that there were a lot of threads on the matter. So you can get off your highchair.

[Danderhall Hibs]

I didn't say I wasn't interested in the topic, I was merely stating that there were a lot of threads on the matter. So you can get off your highchair.

High horse. :wink:

At the risk of agitating you further. :greengrin

[Twa Cairpets]

Without commenting on the Thomson case (I believe he knew how old the girls were), can I just say I have worked with girls who are 12 but can easily be mistaken for 18. They have fully developed bodies, and dress like adults. It is very difficult to protect these vulnerable kids.

I don't think the second bit in bold is very helpful. We won't get anywhere in tackling this issue if people keep coming out with ill founded remarks like yours. As for saying the guy should be hounded for trying to bring some balance to the argument, that's just scary.

Sorry FR, but if you regard the following as bringing balance we've got different interpretations of the word "balance"


Originally Posted by hibs1989 As usual the scottish media has blown something completly out of the water. If they showed the full story nobody would be this interested.

If you meet a girl while clubbing you suspect she legal, if her age is hiden on social network sites what do we do. Do we start id'ing girls when you buy them a drink.

The boy made a mistake. Funny feeling he is well aware of this fact. There are millions of people a lot worse than thomo yet do they get the press no they get put on a list just like him but they could be living next door to you right now. away and witch hunt them.

PATHETIC

The boy made a mistake. Yes he did. From his pespective the mistake was getting caught.

Comments like that from hibs1989 give him an out and that is something that he should be pulled up on

[Beefster]

Without commenting on the Thomson case (I believe he knew how old the girls were), can I just say I have worked with girls who are 12 but can easily be mistaken for 18. They have fully developed bodies, and dress like adults. It is very difficult to protect these vulnerable kids.

I don't think the second bit in bold is very helpful. We won't get anywhere in tackling this issue if people keep coming out with ill founded remarks like yours. As for saying the guy should be hounded for trying to bring some balance to the argument, that's just scary.

Apart from the fact that any 12 year old that can seriously pass for 18 is a rare exception (I don't actually believe that it can really happen), Thomson knew the 12 year old's age so that argument is redundant.

A quick chat with a 12 year old, even if you think she 'looks' 18 will tell you that she's not. A 'fully developed' body and dressing older than your age doesn't equate to a fully developed mind.

[Phil D. Rolls]

Apart from the fact that any 12 year old that can seriously pass for 18 is a rare exception (I don't actually believe that it can really happen), Thomson knew the 12 year old's age so that argument is redundant.

A quick chat with a 12 year old, even if you think she 'looks' 18 will tell you that she's not. A 'fully developed' body and dressing older than your age doesn't equate to a fully developed mind.

As I said, I wasn't commenting on Thomson. I did point out that such girls are vulnerable - hence the fact that people are trying to protect them.

[LancashireHibby]

When are Hearts gettin done for the fan assault on the Celtic manager?

No charges according to the article on the EEN website.

[--------]

Spot on Doddie. I've been involved in youth football for years, and the importance of ensuring correct procedures and standards relating to child protection has always been paramount, and rightly so. We have lots of girls playing football now, and it sickens me that even one parent may think twice about letting their daughters (or sons) get involved in football, all because of this creature.

Twenty years ago one of my colleagues, Gordon Haggarty, was jailed for sexually abusing girls aged from 8 upwards, girls who were in his care as their minister in a church in Aberdeen.

We were on holiday that year in Aberdeenshire, and we visited with another colleague, a good friend who had been a police sergeant with Grampian before he was ordained. Allan was furious about the Haggarty case, first because of the appalling nature of the charges (Haggarty was a thoroughly vile piece of work); second because in his opinion Haggarty had been let off far too lightly - he was a TV "personality vicar" among other things and a close friend of a number of the great and good in the Kirk and the Scottish establishment; and third because, as he explained to me, when people read about the Haggarty case (or any other case of clergy abusing children) they then look at the ministers and priests they know in their own area, and wonder...

Churches generally haven't been half scrupulous enough in the way we've 'safeguarded' children in the past, and when abuse has occurred, we've all too often tended to sweep things under the carpet. Which, if course, simply perpetuates the problem. Now we see the same phenomenon in football.

When children come to anything at our church I try always to remind myself and our kids' workers what a huge privilege it is to have parents trust us with their children. Our children are so precious to us - to be trusted by someone else with THEIR children is absolutely AWESOME.

The same goes for kids' and youth club leaders, sports coaches, whoever works with kids and teens. Thomson - and Hearts - have broken that trust and abused and manipulated the privilege given them - Thomson for the gratification of his own filthy desires, and Hearts for a potential future financial profit - the dirtiest of dirty money.

He'll be assuming that once the dust settles he'll be able to go back to his dirty habits, and they'll be looking forward to raking in a few £100,000s in cash for him.

And the sad thing is that there will be other football clubs prepared to pay the price to have him in their teams.

[Kaiser1962]

I have friends and colleagues in the police, the prison service, the children's panel, church youth organisations like the BB, and in football. I am absolutely certain that the 'mitigating circumstances' that Hearts have alluded to do not exist. On the contrary, Thomson has got off very lightly indeed. Furthermore, I would be VERY surprised if he didn't remain a seriously dangerous young man, devious, manipulative, and concerned only with the gratification of his own nasty proclivities without getting caught.



I was beginning to suspect that they might.

[--------]

"She was hot."

"She was asking for it."

"She came onto me."

"I couldn't help myself."

Paedophiles are classically manipulative, devious, controlling personalities.

Thomson's manipulated the shortcomings of the legal system, ably assisted by his ****bag lawyer, and he thinks he's got away with it.

Actually, he near as makes no difference HAS got away with it.

Just to make clear what I mean by suggesting that the mitigating circumstances alleged by Romanov and his employees don't actually exist - by pleading guilty right away (presumably on the advice of his lawyer - good advice from Thomson's point of view, no doubt) Thomson has effectively stopped further investigation into his behaviour and thus prevented further offences being brought to light. In other words, he's used a legal loophole to avoid being held completely to account for his actions.

He remains a danger to children and young teens.

[The_Todd]

I don't get it. They suspend him, do an investigation, clear him internally, post a defiant statement blaming the mafia then suspend him again a few days later?

Will he end up being sacked? If they are planning on sacking him why don't they just do so? What kind of suspension is this when he's missing the training camp anyway? They're suspending him while he's on holiday?

Am I just being dense, or is this just Hearts pretending to do something in response to overwhelming public reaction?

[Removed]

I don't get it. They suspend him, do an investigation, clear him internally, post a defiant statement blaming the mafia then suspend him again a few days later?

Will he end up being sacked? If they are planning on sacking him why don't they just do so? What kind of suspension is this when he's missing the training camp anyway? They're suspending him while he's on holiday?

Am I just being dense, or is this just Hearts pretending to do something in response to overwhelming public reaction?

You've got it in one

[Dibben]

I don't get it. They suspend him, do an investigation, clear him internally, post a defiant statement blaming the mafia then suspend him again a few days later?

Will he end up being sacked? If they are planning on sacking him why don't they just do so? What kind of suspension is this when he's missing the training camp anyway? They're suspending him while he's on holiday?

Am I just being dense, or is this just Hearts pretending to do something in response to overwhelming public reaction?

:agree:

But unless they sack him, it's just a stunt to appear to be doing something about it!

[The_Todd]

:agree:

But unless they sack him, it's just a stunt to appear to be doing something about it!

Which is why I said "pretending" :wink:

[Dibben]

Which is why I said "pretending" :wink:

:aok:

[Barney McGrew]

I don't know much about employment law, but it could be there are good reasons why they are not able to comment further. :dunno:

They've already given him the all clear to carry on and then reversed that decision. Unless there's any new evidence that has come to light, then I'd reckon they're on very shaky ground taking further disciplinary action. From an HR point of view, they've simply changed their mind, which they can't do.

I'd guess that's why it's a short and sweet statement since they'll know they're already deep in it after backing him publicly.

[clerriehibs]

Thomson's bad enough. But this story (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20051113/ai_n15840738/pg_2/?tag=content;col1) on rix shows he was (is?) a far worse paedophile. And as we all know, he got back into football at Hearts. They, or should I specifically say romanov and his sidekicks, more or less got away with it then.

What's of particular interest in the link is the phrase "mitigating circumstances". That was the excuse given at the press conference then. Hints back then that there's another, but unspecified, side to the story.

Same old, same old.

Thomson is bad - rix is worse - but is romanov the worst of the lot? Does he himself believe that, actually, it's not so bad really? Does he himself come up with the line "mitigating circumstances"?

So for all the hearts fans' disgust at thomson, and threats of not taking up their season tickets, where's their disgust at romanov? Forget the almost u-turn - it's so obvious that he thinks there's not a problem, really.

[KiddA]

"She was hot."

"She was asking for it."

"She came onto me."

"I couldn't help myself."

The same stinking excuses any rapist makes for what he does.

Paedophiles are classically manipulative, devious, controlling personalities.

Thomson's manipulated the shortcomings of the legal system, ably assisted by his ****bag lawyer, and he thinks he's got away with it.

Actually, he near as makes no difference HAS got away with it.

He'll do it again - maybe he's already started.

But hey, the poor guy just made a mistake, OK? No need to get heavy - give him a break and let him get on with his life, of preying on vulnerable kids and doing untold damage to them in the process. Just one of the good ol' boys.

Some of my fellow-posters really make we wonder... :rolleyes:

I just heard Alan Mclaren on Sky Sports saying he hopefully does not play again for Hearts then he says you have to feel for the boy :confused: how can you feel for the boy after what he did? :rolleyes:

On another note Mclaren looks like a pile of pancakes :nade:

[Jonnyboy]

As usual the scottish media has blown something completly out of the water. If they showed the full story nobody would be this interested.

If you meet a girl while clubbing you suspect she legal, if her age is hiden on social network sites what do we do. Do we start id'ing girls when you buy them a drink.

The boy made a mistake. Funny feeling he is well aware of this fact. There are millions of people a lot worse than thomo yet do they get the press no they get put on a list just like him but they could be living next door to you right now. away and witch hunt them.

PATHETIC

I've posted and read on Hibs.net for longer than I care to remember and have to say that is the worst post I have ever read on here. Poor 'thommo' eh? Jeez

[Removed]

They've already given him the all clear to carry on and then reversed that decision. Unless there's any new evidence that has come to light, then I'd reckon they're on very shaky ground taking further disciplinary action. From an HR point of view, they've simply changed their mind, which they can't do.

I'd guess that's why it's a short and sweet statement since they'll know they're already deep in it after backing him publicly.

I heard that he never turned up for training at Riccarton yesterday. Maybe they'll use that as an excuse :dunno:

Wonder if he saw my post saying that Kyle wanted to batter him :greengrin

[Saorsa]

As usual the scottish media has blown something completly out of the water. If they showed the full story nobody would be this interested.

If you meet a girl while clubbing you suspect she legal, if her age is hiden on social network sites what do we do. Do we start id'ing girls when you buy them a drink.

The boy made a mistake. Funny feeling he is well aware of this fact. There are millions of people a lot worse than thomo yet do they get the press no they get put on a list just like him but they could be living next door to you right now. away and witch hunt them.

PATHETICThink that describes your post perfectly.

[Bostonhibby]

Originally Posted by hibs1989

As usual the scottish media has blown something completly out of the water. If they showed the full story nobody would be this interested.

If you meet a girl while clubbing you suspect she legal, if her age is hiden on social network sites what do we do. Do we start id'ing girls when you buy them a drink.

The boy made a mistake. Funny feeling he is well aware of this fact. There are millions of people a lot worse than thomo yet do they get the press no they get put on a list just like him but they could be living next door to you right now. away and witch hunt them.

PATHETIC
I've posted and read on Hibs.net for longer than I care to remember and have to say that is the worst post I have ever read on here. Poor 'thommo' eh? Jeez

Mind boggling logic.

ID or no ID, nightclub or internet probably a better idea to go for the conventional boy meets girl scenario than posting pictures of your walloper to strangers / youngsters over the internet? No:confused:

You need to look up the word mistake, in this context it is an unintended outcome or happening, he plainly meant to make the approaches and I don't suppose Hibs1989 is suggesting that said photo was taken by mistake (honest M'lud I must have had a blackout whilst filming myself for the family album). I suspect "Thomo's" only mistake was getting caught.

I don't think Thomo" was witch hunted, he was tracked down by the cops using the latest technology that is specifically designed to target certain behaviour towards certain vulnerable groups on the internet. Long may it continue.

What happens next is simply the public opinion of right thinking people. With the odd exception who have their own reasons for excusing or defending the behaviour. Odd.

[richard_pitts]

[I]"She was hot."

Paedophiles are classically manipulative, devious, controlling personalities.

Bang on:agree: I managed to get one jailed for breaching his probation order in my last job and dealt with a couple of others. :jamboak:

All of them tried to downplay or minimise the effect of their crimes. I have since come to understand this to be trait common to offenders in this category. :bitchy:

I cannot understand why Fartz are behaving the way they are, given that this kind of information is not hard to find. I hope the SPL nail them to the wall. Fat chance I'm afraid :rolleyes:

[Kaiser1962]

You have a PM



"She was hot."

"She was asking for it."

"She came onto me."

"I couldn't help myself."

The same stinking excuses any rapist makes for what he does.

Paedophiles are classically manipulative, devious, controlling personalities.

Thomson's manipulated the shortcomings of the legal system, ably assisted by his ****bag lawyer, and he thinks he's got away with it.

Actually, he near as makes no difference HAS got away with it.

He'll do it again - maybe he's already started.

But hey, the poor guy just made a mistake, OK? No need to get heavy - give him a break and let him get on with his life, of preying on vulnerable kids and doing untold damage to them in the process. Just one of the good ol' boys.

Some of my fellow-posters really make we wonder... :rolleyes:

[Dashing Bob S]

The Hearts policy on convicted paedophilles is a lot more straightforward than people are making out.

1. Managers - no problem with it whatsoever. (Rix)
2. Supporters - terrible, especially not in our toilets. Ban them for life. (Wee Airdrie Jambo)
3. Current players - no problem, till an outcry in the media. Then suspend them in the hope it blows over. (Thomson)
4. Former players - totally unacceptable, especially if accompanied by the mafia and if there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest it actually happened. (MacKay)

It's not that difficult to grasp. If only all employers would adopt such a progressive, enlightened and flexible approach.

[NYHibby]

The Scotsman is reporting today that it is likely he will be let go this week, possibly as early as today.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Sexrow-player-faces-axe-after.6792837.jp

[Pete]

The Scotsman is reporting today that it is likely he will be let go this week, possibly as early as today.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Sexrow-player-faces-axe-after.6792837.jp

So what if thomson does go. The damage has already been done by that statement romanov released.
They've made their stance on sex offenders clear on two occasions now.

The issue for me isn't thomson anymore...its the board and their disgusting insinuations and attitudes towards young victims of sex-crimes.

They are just as vile as thomson and if any hearts supporter is satisfied simply by hearing of thomsons release they aren't looking within their club hard enough.

These backward attitudes don't belong in scotland and I'm surprised they are actually allowed to tarnish the leagues name by owning a club anymore. Insanity, stubbornness or even being on a hit list are no excuses.
If I had the power I would tell them to leave or hearts would be shut down.
If they were in charge of hibs I wouldn't rest until they were out and to hell with the consequences. I would rather have us play in the sunday leagues with honour than have those creatures at the helm of my club.

As someone said earlier...I hope the big cup was worth it jambos. If they don't have the sense or balls to stand up now they never will.

[HibeeMcGinn1]

Apologies if posted already.
Was having a looking though tweets regarding Craig Thomson last night and came across these crackers from a so called journalist.

I feel sorry for Hearts’ Craig Thomson, as deplorable as his actions have been. This kid, in the internet age, took a dire wrong turning.
web • 28/06/2011 11:50

Everyone condemns what Craig Thomson has done. But he is no ‘sick paedo’ and the rest of it. This is what the internet does to kids today.
web • 28/06/2011 12:10

My Times column tomorrow: why the lynch-mob bloodlust for Hearts' Craig Thomson ignores the fact that he is also an internet victim…
web • 29/06/2011 00:29

Whether it's just a journalist wanting attention or anything else I just don't think he should be posting stuff like this.

[Beefster]

Anyone notice how Derek Watson, the voice of the Hearts fans, has changed his tune again?

From "Hearts have made the right decision. I've seen the evidence and folk don't know all the mitigating circumstances" to "I'm pleased that Hearts have decided to look at this again" in the space of a day.

What a craven fanny. Is he one of the guys who gets free trips to Lithuania every so often to make him feel special?

[pacorosssco]

Apologies if posted already.
Was having a looking though tweets regarding Craig Thomson last night and came across these crackers from a so called journalist.

I feel sorry for Hearts’ Craig Thomson, as deplorable as his actions have been. This kid, in the internet age, took a dire wrong turning.
web • 28/06/2011 11:50

Everyone condemns what Craig Thomson has done. But he is no ‘sick paedo’ and the rest of it. This is what the internet does to kids today.
web • 28/06/2011 12:10

My Times column tomorrow: why the lynch-mob bloodlust for Hearts' Craig Thomson ignores the fact that he is also an internet victim…
web • 29/06/2011 00:29

Whether it's just a journalist wanting attention or anything else I just don't think he should be posting stuff like this.

Always have a had a begrudging respect for Graham Spiers . Not any more. Sensationalism at its best and a cheap shot to sell a few more copies of his paper.

He is posting on twitter his choice to do so just as Peter File Hearts player chose to go on Facebook.

[Gatecrasher]

Apologies if posted already.
Was having a looking though tweets regarding Craig Thomson last night and came across these crackers from a so called journalist.

I feel sorry for Hearts’ Craig Thomson, as deplorable as his actions have been. This kid, in the internet age, took a dire wrong turning.
web • 28/06/2011 11:50

Everyone condemns what Craig Thomson has done. But he is no ‘sick paedo’ and the rest of it. This is what the internet does to kids today.
web • 28/06/2011 12:10

My Times column tomorrow: why the lynch-mob bloodlust for Hearts' Craig Thomson ignores the fact that he is also an internet victim…
web • 29/06/2011 00:29

Whether it's just a journalist wanting attention or anything else I just don't think he should be posting stuff like this.

The bit in bold is probably the biggest load of pish i have read on here, and that takes some doing.

[Saorsa]

Apologies if posted already.
Was having a looking though tweets regarding Craig Thomson last night and came across these crackers from a so called journalist.

I feel sorry for Hearts’ Craig Thomson, as deplorable as his actions have been. This kid, in the internet age, took a dire wrong turning.
web • 28/06/2011 11:50

Everyone condemns what Craig Thomson has done. But he is no ‘sick paedo’ and the rest of it. This is what the internet does to kids today.
web • 28/06/2011 12:10

My Times column tomorrow: why the lynch-mob bloodlust for Hearts' Craig Thomson ignores the fact that he is also an internet victim…
web • 29/06/2011 00:29

Whether it's just a journalist wanting attention or anything else I just don't think he should be posting stuff like this.That's exactly what it is, it's pathetic and it's garbage. The internet does not create paedos, they existed long before it did, it's just another tool that is now available for them tae use. Hundreds of millions use the internet every day, it disnae turn them in tae sex cases.

Craig Thomson, internet victim, what a pile of *****e.

[khib70]

Apologies if posted already.
Was having a looking though tweets regarding Craig Thomson last night and came across these crackers from a so called journalist.

I feel sorry for Hearts’ Craig Thomson, as deplorable as his actions have been. This kid, in the internet age, took a dire wrong turning.
web • 28/06/2011 11:50

Everyone condemns what Craig Thomson has done. But he is no ‘sick paedo’ and the rest of it. This is what the internet does to kids today.
web • 28/06/2011 12:10

My Times column tomorrow: why the lynch-mob bloodlust for Hearts' Craig Thomson ignores the fact that he is also an internet victim…
web • 29/06/2011 00:29

Whether it's just a journalist wanting attention or anything else I just don't think he should be posting stuff like this.
Have just finished reading the Times column mentioned above. (Sorry, can't link as the Times website is subscription-only).

While he makes it absolutely clear that he in no way condones what Thomson has done, he indulges in the predicatble ,(and all too frequent these days),process of ignoring individuals' personal responsibility for their actions. This process, which turns perpetrators into victims, is a constant feature of the touchy-feely, weepy-waily smal "l" liberalism which is used to excuse anyone doing anything wrong. "The system/internet/nasty incident in the woodshed is the real criminal" is a cry heard far too often these days. (see the "Scheme" thread on the Holy Ground, and numerous others).

Individuals make choices and should accept responsibility for them. That's what Thomson did. Its far too easy to transfer that responsibility to an abstract and untouchable entity, and Spiers predictably takes the easy route.

[lapsedhibee]

Have just finished reading the Times column mentioned above. (Sorry, can't link as the Times website is subscription-only).

While he makes it absolutely clear that he in no way condones what Thomson has done, he indulges in the predicatble ,(and all too frequent these days),process of ignoring individuals' personal responsibility for their actions. This process, which turns perpetrators into victims, is a constant feature of the touchy-feely, weepy-waily smal "l" liberalism which is used to excuse anyone doing anything wrong. "The system/internet/nasty incident in the woodshed is the real criminal" is a cry heard far too often these days. (see the "Scheme" thread on the Holy Ground, and numerous others).

Individuals make choices and should accept responsibility for them. That's what Thomson did. Its far too easy to transfer that responsibility to an abstract and untouchable entity, and Spiers predictably takes the easy route.

Mostly agree with what you say, though not sure that Spiers has taken an 'easy route' in this case. He would have known in advance that he will be accused of being a paedo sympathiser, which I imagine is not pleasant.

[Benny Brazil]

Excellent article by Emma Cowing in the Scotsman on Hearts change of heart on this - apologies if already posted.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/opinion/Emma-Cowing-Sending-off-by.6792722.jp?articlepage=1

Sums up I think what the majority of us feel about this situation.

[Part/Time Supporter]

Excellent article by Emma Cowing in the Scotsman on Hearts change of heart on this - apologies if already posted.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/opinion/Emma-Cowing-Sending-off-by.6792722.jp?articlepage=1

Sums up I think what the majority of us feel about this situation.

What's the snidey wee pop at Alex Salmond in the second paragraph all about? Pathetic.

[Exiled Hibby]

[QUOTE=Doddie;2843864]"She was hot."


Thomson's manipulated the shortcomings of the legal system, ably assisted by his ****bag lawyer, and he thinks he's got away with it.

Doddie,
I enjoy reading your posts generally, but I feel you are out of order here in your description of the lawyer. The guy has a job to do. He did it. Without lawyers the court system could not function, anarchy would prevail, and punishment could not properly be meeted out to the guilty. Is that what you would want to see happen?

Thomsons actions disgust me, but please place the blame where it should be placed - with him, not the lawyer. We lawyers get a bad enough press without being saddled with the blame for everything thats wrong in our modern society. - personally, I blame the vicars:greengrin

[pacorosssco]

Mostly agree with what you say, though not sure that Spiers has taken an 'easy route' in this case. He would have known in advance that he will be accused of being a paedo sympathiser, which I imagine is not pleasant.


Thats a great quote . Graham Spiers - paedo sympathiser.He should lead with that from now on

Tonight on STV sport we have Graham Spiers - paedo sympathiser

In today herald read Graham Spiers - paedo sympathiser article on being privately educated

Announcing Graham Spiers - paedo sympathiser as guest speaker at Graham Rix's
tribute dinner to be held at the Gorgie Suite Tyncastle. Date to be confirmed

Panaroma featuring Graham Spiers - paedo sympathiser takes a closer look at the pearls of using the internet.

[Golden Bear]

Thomson's case is now getting discussed on the Jeremy Vine show on Radio 2.

This should be interesting.

[Removed]

Thomson's case is now getting discussed on the Jeremy Vine show on Radio 2.

This should be interesting.

Where do they get these trumpets from that are calling in?

[Golden Bear]

Where do they get these trumpets from that are calling in?

"Trumpets" is the new collective noun to describe the yam species.

[Removed]

ST holder jambo Tam from Gala at least has some sense "if CT plays for hearts again I will not set foot back in tynecastle"

Bet that has multiple qualifiers though

[stoneyburn hibs]

Thomson's case is now getting discussed on the Jeremy Vine show on Radio 2.

This should be interesting.

Listened to this and they were discussing it on five live yesterday morning , dont know if anyone heard it yesterday, but i was really taken aback and angry at the amount of people saying that he should be given a second chance, not sacked, forgiven, etc etc, cant get my head round people giving any sympathy to him, especially when its children involved.

[Dunbar Hibee]

I replied to Graham Spiers' ridiculous tweets by telling him to get a grip and stated that he was a Paedo sympathiser. Unsurprisingly no reply...

[Bishop Hibee]

The internet, like the majority of technological advances is neutral. It can be used for good and bad. Unfortunately, it can encourage individuals who in the past would have kept perverted tendencies to themselves to believe that as others share their predelictions, they are somehow acceptable.

The opportunities allowed by the internet for Thomson's actions does not excuse them however. We all have choices and he's no kid. While the courts have punished him subject to the evidence presented before them I believe like I did with Rix that a professional football club is no place for a convicted sex offender of any sort.

That does not mean that he shouldn't be encouraged to find a positive place in society in an appropriate context.

[Beefster]

I replied to Graham Spiers' ridiculous tweets by telling him to get a grip and stated that he was a Paedo sympathiser. Unsurprisingly no reply...

What did you expect him to say? "I have a grip and no, I'm not"?

You might get a better response by telling him why you think he is wrong rather than just chucking insults at him.

[PerthHibby]

Heard today that CT will resign in the morning.:agree:

[Dunbar Hibee]

What did you expect him to say? "I have a grip and no, I'm not"?

You might get a better response by telling him why you think he is wrong rather than just chucking insults at him.

Was what I said incorrect, though?:confused:

[Removed]

Heard today that CT will resign in the morning.:agree:

Not having a pop at you but I've been getting texts that's "he'll be away today" just about every day for the last fortnight. Just wish they would hurry up and get it sorted :yawn:

[PerthHibby]

Not having a pop at you but I've been getting texts that's "he'll be away today" just about every day for the last fortnight. Just wish they would hurry up and get it sorted :yawn:

Well we will see tomorrow, I was told by a very reliable guy that heard it from the horses mouth.

[Removed]

Well we will see tomorrow, I was told by a very reliable guy that heard it from the horses mouth.

Fingers crossed your info is bang on and he is away then :agree:

but all my texters had good sources as well, somebody has to be right eventually :wink:

[The_Todd]

Well we will see tomorrow, I was told by a very reliable guy that heard it from the horses mouth.

Just a second-hand rumour then. Not doubting you personally per se, but for every 100 "I heard it from a guy who heard it from the horses mouth" style posts we get on hibs.net, I'd say less than five are ever accurate.

[The_Todd]

Was what I said incorrect, though?:confused:

You were indignant you never got a response though, given the tone of you tweet why were you suprised?

[IWasThere2016]

Heard today that CT will resign in the morning.:agree:

:agree: Craig Thomson has left Hearts and is set to join Falkirk on their pre-season tour of Florida.

Thomson said he's delighted he's going to Tampa with the Bairns.

[Kaiser1962]

Craig Thomson has left Hearts and is set to join Falkirk on their pre-season tour of Florida.

Thomson said he's delighted he's going to Tampa with the Bairns.


Thats just wrong on so many levels......



It did make me s****** though.

[Hibercelona]

:agree: Craig Thomson has left Hearts and is set to join Falkirk on their pre-season tour of Florida.

Thomson said he's delighted he's going to Tampa with the Bairns.

:tsk tsk: :devil: :greengrin

[ScottB]

What's the snidey wee pop at Alex Salmond in the second paragraph all about? Pathetic.

It's in the Scotsman, every article must include pops at Alex Salmond, even the one they wrote backing him to be relelected at the 11th hour...

[Removed]

Heard today that CT will resign in the morning.:agree:

Just thought to myself "why is TQM posting Craig Thomson jokes on a Colin Calderwood thread?" :confused:

Maybe I should check thread titles before I post :doh: :greengrin

Apologies, nobody has texted me about CT. To be honest I couldn't give a flying one what he or the yams do now.

[ScottB]

Heard today that CT will resign in the morning.:agree:

So even the peado himself has more 'decency' to do the right thing than his employers? Says it all really.

Ultimately, anything they do is now will be a useless gesture as it will be them giving into pressure, not seeing what they've been doing as wrong. They are losing sponsors, Heriot Watt want him banned from their property, fans screaming for blood, the council, charities, politicians etc demanding him out are what will cause this.

Hearts will still remain fully in support of Thomson, which is deplorable.

[Removed]

So even the peado himself has more 'decency' to do the right thing than his employers? Says it all really.

Ultimately, anything they do is now will be a useless gesture as it will be them giving into pressure, not seeing what they've been doing as wrong. They are losing sponsors, Heriot Watt want him banned from their property, fans screaming for blood, the council, charities, politicians etc demanding him out are what will cause this.

Hearts will still remain fully in support of Thomson, which is deplorable.

I heard a yam on the radio today saying they should just terminate his contract now then resign him when he is off the sex offenders register. Unbelievable.

[PerthHibby]

Just a second-hand rumour then. Not doubting you personally per se, but for every 100 "I heard it from a guy who heard it from the horses mouth" style posts we get on hibs.net, I'd say less than five are ever accurate.


As I said we will see tomorrow:wink:

[hibee_girl]

I heard a yam on the radio today saying they should just terminate his contract now then resign him when he is off the sex offenders register. Unbelievable.
There was a mum on the news last night from the Primary that cancelled their visit, she said she was a Hearts season ticket holder and thought it was ridiculous the trip had been cancelled and that the kids now miss out! 'It's not like he would be there'

[LancashireHibby]

All too late for the Jambos to save any face. Even less so if it ends up bring Thomson opting to leave rather than being booted.

[Hibercelona]

There was a mum on the news last night from the Primary that cancelled their visit, she said she was a Hearts season ticket holder and thought it was ridiculous the trip had been cancelled and that the kids now miss out! 'It's not like he would be there'

Doesn't she understand that its not the idea of the children being in any risk, but the principle behind it?

[hibee_girl]

Doesn't she understand that its not the idea of the children being in any risk, but the principle behind it?

Obviously not!

[Removed]

There was a mum on the news last night from the Primary that cancelled their visit, she said she was a Hearts season ticket holder and thought it was ridiculous the trip had been cancelled and that the kids now miss out! 'It's not like he would be there'

I saw that as well. They're not the brightest are they.

[Hibercelona]

Obviously not!

TBF, I can see where shes coming from by saying that the children are missing out, as its obviously not fair on them to miss out on a trip.

But I believe the school made the correct call in these circumstances. :agree:

[hibee_girl]

TBF, I can see where shes coming from by saying that the children are missing out, as its obviously not fair on them to miss out on a trip.

But I believe the school made the correct call in these circumstances. :agree:

The school will arrange something else for the kids though, they won't let them miss out entirely.

This Mum's point was more about how it was a big fuss over nothing. That was the impression I got from her anyway.

[Hibercelona]

The school will arrange something else for the kids though, they won't let them miss out entirely.

This Mum's point was more about how it was a bit fuss over nothing. That was the impression I got from her anyway.

Sorry, I should point out that I never tuned in myself so i'm not entirely sure what was said.

But if she did give off that impression, it certainly wouldn't surprise me with the mentalty these lot seem to share.

[HibeeMcGinn1]

There was a mum on the news last night from the Primary that cancelled their visit, she said she was a Hearts season ticket holder and thought it was ridiculous the trip had been cancelled and that the kids now miss out! 'It's not like he would be there'

Obviously just doesn't understand the point made by the school. It's the fact that Pentland Primary would be sending kids to a club which emplyoes a man on the sex offenders list not that fact the he might be standing watching them. Stupid yam making a fuss over nothing.

[Sir David Gray]

I've been away for the past week so haven't had the chance to comment on the developments on this story.

When I read that Hearts had decided to keep him, I really could not believe it. I thought they had no choice but to sack him. It beggars belief that the hierarchy at Tynecastle felt it was appropriate to give him a second chance.

The fact that they have now suspended him is simply a case of Hearts wetting themselves at the thought of losing out on season ticket money from irate fans and also losing out on sponsorship money from companies who do not wish to be associated with a club that defends convicted paedophiles.

I'm not buying into the story that Hearts have decided to act since further allegations have been made. There was enough evidence from the cases for which he was convicted at his trial to justify a termination in his contract. The fact that Hearts decided to keep him after that speaks volumes.

They are now worried about their finances because they didn't expect the outcry from the public and that is the one and only reason that they have now decided to suspend him.

Hearts have acted disgracefully throughout this whole case and everyone connected with the management at the club should be ashamed of themselves.

[Hibercelona]

I've been away for the past week so haven't had the chance to comment on the developments on this story.

When I read that Hearts had decided to keep him, I really could not believe it. I thought they had no choice but to sack him. It beggars belief that the hierarchy at Tynecastle felt it was appropriate to give him a second chance.

The fact that they have now suspended him is simply a case of Hearts wetting themselves at the thought of losing out on season ticket money from irate fans and also losing out on sponsorship money from companies who do not wish to be associated with a club that defends convicted paedophiles.

I'm not buying into the story that Hearts have decided to act since further allegations have been made. There was enough evidence from the cases for which he was convicted at his trial to justify a termination in his contract. The fact that Hearts decided to keep him after that speaks volumes.

They are now worried about their finances because they didn't expect the outcry from the public and that is the one and only reason that they have now decided to suspend him.

Hearts have acted disgracefully throughout this whole case and everyone connected with the management at the club should be ashamed of themselves.

:top marks

Unfortunatly (and it has been proven for years) that anyone connected with the management team at Hearts does not feel any shame what so ever.

If they did feel shame, they would have emptied the mad man that drags a once respectable football clubs name through the mud out years ago.

[Steve-O]

I replied to Graham Spiers' ridiculous tweets by telling him to get a grip and stated that he was a Paedo sympathiser. Unsurprisingly no reply...

You're an idiot.

[Beefster]

Was what I said incorrect, though?:confused:

Yes, it was IMHO. 'Get a grip' doesn't really mean anything and 'Paedo sympathiser' is just an insult thrown at someone because you don't agree with his views and can't or won't articulate why you disagree.

If everyone reacted to differing viewpoints in the same way as you have with Spiers, this messageboard wouldn't exist.

[Phil D. Rolls]

Doesn't she understand that its not the idea of the children being in any risk, but the principle behind it?

Maybe she's not that daft. She's a mum, and would surely never put her kids at risk?

[Steve-O]

TBF, I can see where shes coming from by saying that the children are missing out, as its obviously not fair on them to miss out on a trip.

But I believe the school made the correct call in these circumstances. :agree:

Someone should tell the daft bint her bairn missed oot on nothing! A trip to Tynecastle? What a pish trip.

[Betty Boop]

According to the Sun, police are now questioning him over further allegations, made by another girl, which supposedly happened when she was 12.

[richard_pitts]

Obviously just doesn't understand the point made by the school. It's the fact that Pentland Primary would be sending kids to a club which emplyoes a man on the sex offenders list not that fact the he might be standing watching them. Stupid yam making a fuss over nothing.

It's also the fact that the school would be concerned about its duty of care to the children (and rightly so) being met.

[Removed]

Heard today that CT will resign in the morning.:agree:


Well we will see tomorrow, I was told by a very reliable guy that heard it from the horses mouth.


As I said we will see tomorrow:wink:

So did he resign then?

[degenerated]

So did he resign then?

given past form i reckon they'll keep him on. :agree:

[Kaiser1962]

Was what I said incorrect, though?:confused:

Technically yes. :agree:

[Removed]

given past form i reckon they'll keep him on. :agree:

:agree:

[Hibercelona]

Maybe she's not that daft. She's a mum, and would surely never put her kids at risk?

:confused:

She was complaining on the radio that the trip had been cancelled.

Seems like a pretty idiotic thing to complain about if you ask me.

[CallumLaidlaw]

Graham Spiers now tweeting that hearts are set to terminate Thomsons contract. That's some U-turn in 1 week

[Jonnyboy]

Graham Spiers now tweeting that hearts are set to terminate Thomsons contract. That's some U-turn in 1 week

Spiers still feeling sorry for him, does he say?

[Removed]

Graham Spiers now tweeting that hearts are set to terminate Thomsons contract. That's some U-turn in 1 week

So it's now a race to see if CT can resign before the yams terminate him.

I still think he'll be there come the start of the season.

[BroxburnHibee]

Spiers still feeling sorry for him, does he say?

He's just tweeted this.......

"I remain amazed some people think I have "defended" Thomson. Can anyone quote back to me a single "defence" I've made of him? I pity the guy"

[Jonnyboy]

He's just tweeted this.......

"I remain amazed some people think I have "defended" Thomson. Can anyone quote back to me a single "defence" I've made of him? I pity the guy"

Thanks D. I never read it myself but it was stated on 5Live that he said something like 'I pity him as he's a young guy who made a bad decision' or some such thing. So, he does pity the guy but the made a wrong decision part sounds like he's defending him.

Is Spiers getting a lot of grief do you know? Hope so as he's an arrogant, condescending tosser and that just his good points :greengrin

[BroxburnHibee]

Thanks D. I never read it myself but it was stated on 5Live that he said something like 'I pity him as he's a young guy who made a bad decision' or some such thing. So, he does pity the guy but the made a wrong decision part sounds like he's defending him.

Is Spiers getting a lot of grief do you know? Hope so as he's an arrogant, condescending tosser and that just his good points :greengrin

Not much support for his view up to now :greengrin

[21.05.2016]

I've been away for the past week so haven't had the chance to comment on the developments on this story.

When I read that Hearts had decided to keep him, I really could not believe it. I thought they had no choice but to sack him. It beggars belief that the hierarchy at Tynecastle felt it was appropriate to give him a second chance.

The fact that they have now suspended him is simply a case of Hearts wetting themselves at the thought of losing out on season ticket money from irate fans and also losing out on sponsorship money from companies who do not wish to be associated with a club that defends convicted paedophiles.

I'm not buying into the story that Hearts have decided to act since further allegations have been made. There was enough evidence from the cases for which he was convicted at his trial to justify a termination in his contract. The fact that Hearts decided to keep him after that speaks volumes.

They are now worried about their finances because they didn't expect the outcry from the public and that is the one and only reason that they have now decided to suspend him.

Hearts have acted disgracefully throughout this whole case and everyone connected with the management at the club should be ashamed of themselves.

Absolutly, this is vile and low even by hearts disgusting standards! had it been any other job, being put on the sex offenders register and these disgusting offenses would have seen you out the door, no questions asked!

Its absolutly sickening that this vile, sleazy, sex predator is allowed to carry on playing proffesional football. These guys are role models to younger children, what kind of example is he setting?! And what kind of example are hearts setting, standing by and employing a convicted peadophile (not that it would be the first time!)

HMFC - a club that is well and truely rottten to the core, just when we think they cant sink to any deeper depths!

[Steve-O]

Graham Spiers now tweeting that hearts are set to terminate Thomsons contract. That's some U-turn in 1 week

Sounds like he's tweeting a fact - how's that a u-turn?

[lapsedhibee]

Sounds like he's tweeting a fact - how's that a u-turn?

A u-turn by HOMFC, rather than Spiers?

[dangermouse]

Thanks D. I never read it myself but it was stated on 5Live that he said something like 'I pity him as he's a young guy who made a bad decision' or some such thing. So, he does pity the guy but the made a wrong decision part sounds like he's defending him.

Is Spiers getting a lot of grief do you know? Hope so as he's an arrogant, condescending tosser and that just his good points :greengrin

He can play the piano though. :agree:

[--------]

Thanks D. I never read it myself but it was stated on 5Live that he said something like 'I pity him as he's a young guy who made a bad decision' or some such thing. So, he does pity the guy but the made a wrong decision part sounds like he's defending him.

Is Spiers getting a lot of grief do you know? Hope so as he's an arrogant, condescending tosser and that just his good points :greengrin


:agree:

Saying he's "a young guy who made a bad decision" is about as arrogant and superficial a judgement of the case as possible. I would certainly consider that a defence of the indefensible.

A thought. John Wayne Gacy was regularly physically abused by his alcoholic father. In fact, Dad beat the **** out of him as a kid. Gacy is now known to have tortured and murdered at least 30 teenagers and young men in Chicago over a period of years. A predatory serial killer whose killings involved a definite sexual component.

I can have sympathy for the child abused by his father, but can that sympathy extend to the adult serial sexual predator and murderer. No. Do I regret that Gacy was executed by lethal injection for his crimes? No.

IMO the only reason for making an effort to 'understand' someone like Gacy is to make it easier to stop people like him doing what they do.

And the same goes for predators like Thomson who're just starting out on their careers. The more excuses are made for them, the more sympathy extended to them in the media and on the internet, the more likely it becomes that someone else somewhere will think that they too can "make a bad decision" and get the same sympathy and have the same excuses made for THEM when THEY're caught. And the more likely it is that they'll continue in their arrogant assumption that they've really done nothing wrong.

IMO we should extend our sympathy first and foremost to those who are victims in this present day. If we have limited resources - financial, emotional, whatever - to devote to to this area of society, then these victims of the present day deserve it all. I've seen colleagues of my own betray their ordination vows and the trust placed in them by parents and children, and I'm afraid my whole concern is for their victims, not for them. And this not least because we so rarely hear anything resembling a genuine expression of remorse or repentance from them.

I'm privileged to know people who have been through appalling childhoods and have reached adulthood and maturity without passing on the abuse they suffered to others. Indeed, the abuse THEY suffered has been for them the driving force in their determination to care for their children to the very best of their ability, and to protect their children form all harm as far as they possibly could. It's called taking responsibility for your life, I believe.

And I thought it was only benighted Calvinists like myself who believed in predestination.... :rolleyes:

[Titch]

:agree:

Saying he's "a young guy who made a bad decision" is about as arrogant and superficial a judgement of the case as possible. I would certainly consider that a defence of the indefensible.

A thought. John Wayne Gacy was regularly physically abused by his alcoholic father. In fact, Dad beat the **** out of him as a kid. Gacy is now known to have tortured and murdered at least 30 teenagers and young men in Chicago over a period of years. A predatory serial killer whose killings involved a definite sexual component.

I can have sympathy for the child abused by his father, but can that sympathy extend to the adult serial sexual predator and murderer. No. Do I regret that Gacy was executed by lethal injection for his crimes? No.

IMO the only reason for making an effort to 'understand' someone like Gacy is to make it easier to stop people like him doing what they do.

And the same goes for predators like Thomson who're just starting out on their careers. The more excuses are made for them, the more sympathy extended to them in the media and on the internet, the more likely it becomes that someone else somewhere will think that they too can "make a bad decision" and get the same sympathy and have the same excuses made for THEM when THEY're caught. And the more likely it is that they'll continue in their arrogant assumption that they've really done nothing wrong.

IMO we should extend our sympathy first and foremost to those who are victims in this present day. If we have limited resources - financial, emotional, whatever - to devote to to this area of society, then these victims of the present day deserve it all. I've seen colleagues of my own betray their ordination vows and the trust placed in them by parents and children, and I'm afraid my whole concern is for their victims, not for them. And this not least because we so rarely hear anything resembling a genuine expression of remorse or repentance from them.

I'm privileged to know people who have been through appalling childhoods and have reached adulthood and maturity without passing on the abuse they suffered to others. Indeed, the abuse THEY suffered has been for them the driving force in their determination to care for their children to the very best of their ability, and to protect their children form all harm as far as they possibly could. It's called taking responsibility for your life, I believe.

And I thought it was only benighted Calvinists like myself who believed in predestination.... :rolleyes:

:top marks

[Steve-O]

A u-turn by HOMFC, rather than Spiers?

Never thought of it like that, for some reason! :greengrin

[Kaiser1962]

IMO the only reason for making an effort to 'understand' someone like Gacy is to make it easier to stop people like him doing what they do.


In social work it's referred to as breaking the cycle of abuse. The abused frequently become the abuser. This is an extreme example but shows where, unchecked, an abuse can end up and impact tragically on so many people.

And of the 30 (known) people that Gacy tortured research shows that 80% of them will become abusers themselves.

Which is why it pains me when people belittle CT's crimes.

[CropleyWasGod]

In social work it's referred to as breaking the cycle of abuse. The abused frequently become the abuser. This is an extreme example but shows where, unchecked, an abuse can end up and impact tragically on so many people.

And of the 30 (known) people that Gacy tortured research shows that 80% of them will become abusers themselves.

Which is why it pains me when people belittle CT's crimes.

... and it also pains me that, IMO, the sheriff/judge seemed to do so as well. I would have thought that, as part of the sentence, CT should have been ordered to submit himself to therapy/probation/research.... call it what you will. Both from the point of view of "understanding" that Doddie refers to, but also, if possible to try and break the cycle that you refer to.

None of us know what background reports on CT concluded. Perhaps they suggested he wasn't a potential re-offender? However, belt and braces, surely to minimise the risk of that... and perhaps more serious offences...it should be mandatory for all sex offenders to go through some sort of "therapeutic" process.

[jakki]

On another aspect of facebook

I discovered yesterday that my granddaughter (9) had a male friend aged 17.
What 17 yo will be talking to a 9 yo wee lassie? I got in touch with her mum and we found out that he was a 12 yo son of fanily friends. Seemingly an facebook you only have to register your age above 14?

My daughter was wrong to let her daughter register and hopefully she will remove her from this site but I'll still be viligent!

You have babies and they grow up and you think when they are married, the worries go away! nae danger!!

[bruno]

[QUOTE=Doddie;2847452]<img src="images/smilies/agree.gif" border="0" alt="" title="agree" smilieid="14" class="inlineimg" /><br />
<br />
Saying he's &quot;a young guy who made a bad decision&quot; is about as arrogant and superficial a judgement of the case as possible. I would certainly consider that a defence of the indefensible.<br />
<br />
A thought. John Wayne Gacy was regularly physically abused by his alcoholic father. In fact, Dad beat the **** out of him as a kid. Gacy is now known to have tortured and murdered at least 30 teenagers and young men in Chicago over a period of years. A predatory serial killer whose killings involved a definite sexual component.<br />
<br />
I can have sympathy for the child abused by his father, but can that sympathy extend to the adult serial sexual predator and murderer. No. Do I regret that Gacy was executed by lethal injection for his crimes? No.<br />
<br />
<b>IMO the only reason for making an effort to 'understand' someone like Gacy is to make it easier to stop people like him doing what they do.</b><br />
<br />
And the same goes for predators like Thomson who're just starting out on their careers. The more excuses are made for them, the more sympathy extended to them in the media and on the internet, the more likely it becomes that someone else somewhere will think that they too can &quot;make a bad decision&quot; and get the same sympathy and have the same excuses made for THEM when THEY're caught. And the more likely it is that they'll continue in their arrogant assumption that they've really done nothing wrong.<br />
<br />

That.s a really good balanced post. I think had CT come out shown genuine remorse and apologised publicly to his victims admitted he needed help and made a genuine attempt to get it we could all look at his crimes a lot more objectively. Yes they were horrific and may have got much worse had he not been caught but I for one would have been happy for him to serve his court punishment and start to rehabilitate himself away from football out the public eye and then sometime in the future return to society having made genuine attempts to better himself as an individual. I like everyone to get a second chance but it has to be earned and not given out of sympathy for what may have led someone to commit their crimes.there are sometimes circumstances which happen as we grow up and if we are immature such as ct we handle them badly and respond in a negative way we can take it out on innocent victims instead dealing with their problems. summing up to what is probably a rambling post ct and Hearts should have thought about the innocent victims first dealt in time with CT's issues and crimes then in time he could continue his career in a different place as a better person and I could accept that. Failing to deal with it correctly means he and the club deserve all the stick they are getting.

[Kaiser1962]

I dont really want to go too far into this other than to say the sentence is not as lenient as it appears to be being interpreted in that he can only be sentenced on what he has done, or admits he has done. He cant be sentenced for what he might do.

There is no doubt in my mind he will be monitored, contrary to popular opinion.

That said the fiscal (and SW) would have moved heaven and earth to avoid a trial involving the girls as that would have been the nightmare scenario. For the girls that is, not CT.



... and it also pains me that, IMO, the sheriff/judge seemed to do so as well. I would have thought that, as part of the sentence, CT should have been ordered to submit himself to therapy/probation/research.... call it what you will. Both from the point of view of "understanding" that Doddie refers to, but also, if possible to try and break the cycle that you refer to.

None of us know what background reports on CT concluded. Perhaps they suggested he wasn't a potential re-offender? However, belt and braces, surely to minimise the risk of that... and perhaps more serious offences...it should be mandatory for all sex offenders to go through some sort of "therapeutic" process.

[hibiedude]

It appears Thompson is not alone accourding to the NOTW because it's lead story is saying 3 SPL stars dodge sex charges because they agreed to take rehab.

It dosen't name them but Thompson is not the only beast in football if this story is proved correct.

[lapsedhibee]

there are sometimes circumstances which happen as we grow up and if we are immature such as ct we handle them badly and respond in a negative way we can take it out on innocent victims instead dealing with their problems.

Am I reading this wrong, or are you hinting here that CT may have suffered abuse of some sort himself; and if he did is this what has led experts such as FJK to plead 'mitigating circumstances'? :dunno:

[R'Albin]

:agree:

Saying he's "a young guy who made a bad decision" is about as arrogant and superficial a judgement of the case as possible. I would certainly consider that a defence of the indefensible.

A thought. John Wayne Gacy was regularly physically abused by his alcoholic father. In fact, Dad beat the **** out of him as a kid. Gacy is now known to have tortured and murdered at least 30 teenagers and young men in Chicago over a period of years. A predatory serial killer whose killings involved a definite sexual component.

I can have sympathy for the child abused by his father, but can that sympathy extend to the adult serial sexual predator and murderer. No. Do I regret that Gacy was executed by lethal injection for his crimes? No.

IMO the only reason for making an effort to 'understand' someone like Gacy is to make it easier to stop people like him doing what they do.

And the same goes for predators like Thomson who're just starting out on their careers. The more excuses are made for them, the more sympathy extended to them in the media and on the internet, the more likely it becomes that someone else somewhere will think that they too can "make a bad decision" and get the same sympathy and have the same excuses made for THEM when THEY're caught. And the more likely it is that they'll continue in their arrogant assumption that they've really done nothing wrong.

IMO we should extend our sympathy first and foremost to those who are victims in this present day. If we have limited resources - financial, emotional, whatever - to devote to to this area of society, then these victims of the present day deserve it all. I've seen colleagues of my own betray their ordination vows and the trust placed in them by parents and children, and I'm afraid my whole concern is for their victims, not for them. And this not least because we so rarely hear anything resembling a genuine expression of remorse or repentance from them.

I'm privileged to know people who have been through appalling childhoods and have reached adulthood and maturity without passing on the abuse they suffered to others. Indeed, the abuse THEY suffered has been for them the driving force in their determination to care for their children to the very best of their ability, and to protect their children form all harm as far as they possibly could. It's called taking responsibility for your life, I believe.

And I thought it was only benighted Calvinists like myself who believed in predestination.... :rolleyes:

:top marks

[StevieC]

It appears Thompson is not alone accourding to the NOTW because it's lead story is saying 3 SPL stars dodge sex charges because they agreed to take rehab.

I'm not saying it didn't happen or undermining your post .. but I can't see how anyone can "dodge" a sex charge.

If a crime has been committed then a case will be heard and a verdict reached. I suspect the exceptions to this would be insufficient evidence and/or complainant withdrawing accusations, and in either of these situations you would really need to treat the accused as innocent before you start calling them "beasts".

I've not read the NOTW story but I also suspect that if the phrase "sex charge" is used it could actually relate to a number of offences and not necessarily the same one brought against Thompson.

Not condoning, just saying likes.

[Phil D. Rolls]

... and it also pains me that, IMO, the sheriff/judge seemed to do so as well. I would have thought that, as part of the sentence, CT should have been ordered to submit himself to therapy/probation/research.... call it what you will. Both from the point of view of "understanding" that Doddie refers to, but also, if possible to try and break the cycle that you refer to.

None of us know what background reports on CT concluded. Perhaps they suggested he wasn't a potential re-offender? However, belt and braces, surely to minimise the risk of that... and perhaps more serious offences...it should be mandatory for all sex offenders to go through some sort of "therapeutic" process.

I think we have to face the fact that we don't have unlimited resources - even for something as bad as this. I think tarring everyone with the same brush is just too random an approach, and priorities have to be set.

Sad as it is, Thomson is way down the list when it comes to the worst offenders.

[Kaiser1962]

I think we have to face the fact that we don't have unlimited resources - even for something as bad as this. I think tarring everyone with the same brush is just too random an approach, and priorities have to be set.

Sad as it is, Thomson is way down the list when it comes to the worst offenders.

Thomson is pretty low level in the overall scheme of things as you say and they are I would suspect, reasonably confident of managing the risk he poses under public protection legislation. Hence five years on the register.