The kid

One of the worst possible things a father could hear is that his son has been rushed to hospital after being bashed in a gang attack. Even worse, though, may be the news that his son has participated in a gang attack which has left the victim in hospital.

Over the weekend a father learned of this second scenario before hailing me outside a downtown hotel. He climbed in with a mate, both middle-aged boozers and requested, “Mate, we’ve gotta get to _________ police station, quick as you can.”

They told me it was an emergency due to the father’s sixteen year old son having just been arrested and facing serious assault charges.

His phone rang. It was the police confirming that he was on his way. “No,” he told them, “I'm not driving, I’m in a taxi – I’ve been drinking, eh.” Hanging up he muttered, “I hope they don’t start the interview before I get there. Just as long as the silly bastard keeps his mouth shut, that’s all that matters.”

I warned him that he better be prepared for bail expenses and legal fees. “Nah, won’t be any legal fees,” he said. “This’ll be done on Legal Aid. If not, his grandmother can pay.”

He dialled a phone number and growled, “I’m just ringing to tell you that your grandson has been arrested for bashing a bloke; he’s put him in hospital...about an hour ago... I’m heading to the police station now...yeah, okay. Bye.”

During the call the mate loudly yabbered how she shouldn’t have been giving the kid so much money. How the kid needed a part-time job rather than hanging around those tough kids. It was tempting to suggest the kid might just be looking for love, or stability, or a sociable outlet to channel his burgeoning hormones.

Instead I asked if his son was a decent kid. “I mean, under all that teenage toughness and bullshit does he have a good heart.” The father paused before conceding, “Yeah, he’s not a bad kid. But he’s a follower, not a leader.” “Well, I suggested, “he’s probably shitting himself right now and doesn’t need any more shit.” I didn’t mention they’d better pray the victim made a full and speedy recovery.

We were almost there so I dropped the subject hoping he would focus on the kid’s good side. Maybe he’d recall the toddler who’d waited hours for him to come home. Then, upon arrival, would stagger to him, overjoyed, arms lifted high whilst calling, “Daddy, daddy! Up, up!” How he’d bend down to catch the boy under the outstretched arms and swoop him high in the air to the sound of delirious squeals.

All fathers remember this like it was only yesterday. Though whether this bloke did right then is doubtful and I imagine the kid got hammered rather than hugged. To be fair, he probably deserved both options.

Comments

[Josh]

Spent my weekend wrangling a 3 week old boy including an unnappied projectile poo incident. Dont look forward to this kind of crap though!

[Dave]

Hi,
You should go to the police station and report your conversation with this man in your taxi...he has provided conversation and certain phone admissions to possibly a serious indictable offence. I know you did not hear the exact conversation although the evidence you would give in court is 'hearsay which is generally not allowed in criminal matters, however there are exceptions to the hearsay rule. You might want to explore these options as the victim after all is the one needing protection and the community needing a succesful prosecution for these street offences.................
.
Later Dave

[Ex Legionnaire]

From the sounds of Dad you could probably see where the kid gets his temper from.Hmm.

I teach in high school now ( ahhh cab driving was sooo much easier. You try year 8 or 9 in an arvo double period, it's even more challenging than Coogee Bay Rd at 2am on a Sunday morning, and we all know how bad that is!No turning off the Vacant light and heading up a side street to avoid confrontations!!!)...anyways-it's usually the case that 'challenging' kids have 'even more challenging' parents. It's proven time and time again at interviews. And neglected or unloved kids(yes, even the wealthy ones) are the worst.

Eventually the mess has to be cleared up by someone-hopefully without too much blood, sweat, or tears.
Hopefully this kid and father have reached a watershed.

Love the image of parenthood Adrian, heartwarming reminder of a child's capacity for affection. I have a 16 month old now, and a 4 week old. they are just the most precious eh?

[d.]

Well, if it's anything like the U.S., that kind of conversation doesn't exactly fit into the hearsay exceptions. Particularly because what the father said doesn't have much relevance. As for "admissions," only the kid can admit to anything.

But what do I know? :)