Who's At Fault Here, The Mother, The Old Chap Or The Police For Letting Him Go.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2624053/Every-parents-nightmare-Chilling-CCTV-shows-moment-man-attempts-lead-toddler-away-mother-momentarily-turned-shopping-centre.html

I think the mother, you just do not let a youngster of that age wander around a busy shopping mall hoping that he is following you, notice the way the mother changes direction, yet for a short while the youngster walks straight on.

The outcome of this could have been much worse had the man had more serious intentions.

[ummmm]

Only perfect parents should answer this thread then?

Would you say the same to Denise Bulger?

[wolf63]

Ago, put yourself in the old guys place. You find a runaway toddler, do you act and perhaps be accused of having evil intentions. Or do you do nothing?

.

[Zeuhl]

The mother WAS keeping watch over her child:

we know that because she turned and saw what was happening before the old man could lead the child away

and there is no evidence that the child would have gone anyway if he has been taught not to 'go with strangers'

the mother then challenged the old man who left the scene

so

1. the mother did her job
2. until the full facts are investigated we don't know if the old man had criminal intentions or was just (as the police stated) 'confused'
3. I expect the police are still doing their job by investigating tha man's circumstances further.

[grasscarp]

In this case the man thought he was reuniting the child with his mother according to the article. I found a lone young child outside Tesco. I took him inside to find his mother. She didnt thank me, just told the child off!
My intentions were good, but having read the article apparently I should have stayed where I was with the child.

[chrissa1]

The article says, the man thought the child belonged to another parent.

[zebo]

Grasscarp, I wouldn't have gone anywhere near the child in the current climate of hysteria, I might have mentioned it to someone inside the store and let them take it from there. Had there then been a subsequent tragedy, I might have felt remorse but people are now actively discouraged from getting involved. That's from a mid-sixties grandmother.

[grasscarp]

Zebo. I too am a mid sixties granny. Sorry but I could not let him go into the car park. He was leaving the shop by himself and I dont regret what I did.

[kvalidir]

No-one is at fault here, the mother WAS watching her child, the elderly gentleman did what he considered to be the right thing and was trying to reunite a lost child with the people he thought was it's parent and the police acted with common sense and saw both of those things for a change. All in all a 100% good result all around.

[Zeuhl]

The child's mother was immediately in front of him

and the cctv does not show whether or not she was talking to him throughout

the man's actions were a bit too quick of the mark or as explained, 'confused'

the woman was on the ball, turned around and dealt with it: NOTHING HAPPENED

It's a bizarre notion that everything in life has to be someone's 'fault'

[whirlyhurly]

Why don't young mothers put children's reins on their kids. They used to be very popular many years ago.

[youngmafbog]

It's all down to 'Where there is blame there is a claim' culture I am afraid.

Impossible to tell from just the video the complete circumstances.

[Old_Geezer]

Not watched the video, and I find it a little suspicious that someone would not call out to find a parent/guardian first before leading a child elsewhere; but if the police are satisfied the guy was trying to help a lost child I don't see why I should accuse him of other intent. We don't always choose what would have been the best solution when we view something with hidnsight.

The mother will have learn how observant a parent must be though. Hand holding was invented for a reason. Especially if one tends to change direction.

[ludwig]

I agree with kvalidir, no-one was at fault.

[youngmafbog]

//reins on their kids//

Probably not allowed anymore because it infringed their 'ooman rights.

[Graham-W]

IMHO kvalidir has got it spot on. No-one was harmed. No-one was wrongly arrested. Everyone's good name is intact.
Must be a quiet day for news. A complete no news story. Just the usual DM sensationalism.

[dunnitall]

Clearly the benefit of reigns or a tether for a child so young is what's called for, then everyone's intentions are made clear. I think in this climate today you can never be too careful when taking children out and should IMO keep them within arms length. There's also the added bonus of keeping children away from other shoppers who find them a nuisance playing in a shop when they should be under control (just like our parents used to look out to us).

[viv38]

I feel sorry for the old man, he was probably just trying to help.

[Zeuhl]

/It's all down to 'Where there is blame there is a claim' culture/

What?

Is aog working up a compo claim?

[whirlyhurly]

Exactly !

[fruitsalad]

Quite agree whirlyhurley my grandchild is 2 and a half and shes either on reigns, holding
My hand or sitting in pushchair where I can see her