UK UK - Lee Boxell, 15, Sutton (Outer London borough) , 10 September 1988

[Bickles]

But surely that threat has gone now? They're adults. It would be understood that they were frightened as children.

Yes, but so much time has passed that people might also worry about the legalities of not coming forward sooner.

 

[Ellymoo]

I would hope that press releases and statements by the police would make it clear that people wouldn't be blamed for things which happened to them as children, but I guess the fear of perverting the course of justice would be understandable.

Still - an anonymous note? SOMETHING?

 

[Mrs Marple]

They might have gone on to live 'normal' lives. Too scared to involve themselves in such a case now? Tough work explaining to your spouse/children/friends/colleagues as a 50 something why you didn't report a child murder.

It might also be difficult for someone to admit they were sexually assaulted if they have never told anyone. After all these years, they may find it too hard to talk about.