Distressing Episode of Panorama

I videoed an episode of Panorama recently and have just finished watching it. It chronicled the activities of a so-called philanthropist in the '80s. This was a man from a relatively humble background who became a millionaire and helped to transform Plymouth's run-down city-centre market into a thriving shopping centre. He was lauded in the local press and adored by the town's residents. But all was not as it seemed for this man was a paedophile. He gave young boys part-time jobs in the shopping centre. He appeared to be acting as their mentor but was, in fact, using them for his 'sexual pleasure'. He was heavily involved in a paedophile ring.

Many of the boys he abused grew up to become violent criminals. It was a judge (individuals who are often dismissed for their harsh and contemptuous attitude towards the 'dregs of society') who made the connection. He noticed that the victims of this Plymouth Philanthropist were appearing before him repeatedly. Victims turned perpetrators.

The question is this: Is their childhood sexual abuse an excuse for their present actions? But then I must ask myself if my past excuses my current behaviour. No, I don't hurt others. I hurt myself. I starve myself, I binge, I purge, I overdose. I don't cut - my scars are within. Is there a fundamental difference in the way in which men and women respond to the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse? The former turning his pain outwards and the latter turning her pain inwards. (Something many people find hard to understand, as though harming others is somehow more acceptable than harming oneself- a view I find quite bizarre). But does being victimised give one the right to victimise others in one's turn?

Undoubtedly though a hideous injustice has been perpetrated upon these men and then perpetuated by the judicial system. The police were aware of what the 'Philanthropist of Plymouth' was doing but didn't have the resources to investigate the case thoroughly when it was initially brought to their attention, thus giving the Plymouth Philanthropist and his paedophile ring the chance to abuse more boys. As a result these boys grew up to become criminals (society didn't give a damn about them, so why should they give a damn about it?). And the final injustice is that they cannot claim criminal injuries compensation because of their criminal records. The system helped create them and then it tossed them away. Even the judge interviewed in the documentary acknowledges this.

And, as always, no one is held accountable.