Tom Humphries: Guilty of child abuse

Deusexmachina

sbsquarepants wrote: »

I'm at a bit of a loss as to how you can feel sympathy for both the perpetrator and the victim?

Surely you realise one is to blame and the other isn't? One done something wrong and the other didn't? One broke the law and the other didn't? And one is a pervy old man and the other is a schoolchild?

Yet you reckon they are both deserving of sympathy? I find that very strange.

In equal amounts, or does he deserve less? Or more even?

Of course we are able to feel pity and compassion for those who have done wrong and who end up suffering terribly themselves as a result.

He deserves to be punished. I feel sorry for his victim and her suffering. Separately, I feel sorry for his utter degradation as a human being. They are not proportional in any way.

pilly

Deusexmachina wrote: »

Of course we are able to feel pity and compassion for those who have done wrong and who end up suffering terribly themselves as a result.

He deserves to be punished. I feel sorry for his victim and her suffering. Separately, I feel sorry for his utter degradation as a human being. They are not proportional in any way.

What's this "we" business paleface? Speak only for yourself.

Deusexmachina

Are Am Eye wrote: »

It is possible to feel compassion for an evil person.
Without that lessening their crimes in your mind.

The important thing here is that Humphries gets a very long sentence. He should get twenty five years.
A clear signal needs to be sent that society will not tolerate this activity.
One hopes that the Judge will understand the gravity of this.

25 years.....

Are Am Eye

buck65 wrote: »

Jim Sherwin and Fred Cogley then Ryle Nugent goodbye.

Fred Cogley is dead.

Tom McGurk is who he meant. Who while he is an @sshole, is not depraved in any way (that we know of)

WinnyThePoo

Deusexmachina wrote: »

Of course we are able to feel pity and compassion for those who have done wrong and who end up suffering terribly themselves as a result.

He deserves to be punished. I feel sorry for his victim and her suffering. Separately, I feel sorry for his utter degradation as a human being. They are not proportional in any way.

He choose this.

kylith

Are Am Eye wrote: »

It is possible to feel compassion for an evil person.
Without that lessening their crimes in your mind.

I think for most people that would involve some kind of understandable explanation of why he did what he did. In this case he appears to have done it because he wanted to fck a teenager.

I have no sympathy for him. His life is ruined through his own fault. He has lost everything through his own fault. I hope he rots.

Deusexmachina

WinnyThePoo wrote: »

He choose this.

Yes he chose it.

Are Am Eye

kylith wrote: »

I think for most people that would involve some kind of understandable explanation of why he did what he did

If there was an explanation then he wouldn't be evil.

Outlaw Pete

Are Am Eye wrote: »

He should get twenty five years.

Like I said. Perspective is often short on supply in these threads.

Deusexmachina

pilly wrote: »

What's this "we" business paleface? Speak only for yourself.

I was attempting to describe our ability as grown up human beings to have more complex emotional analysis than just dividing the world into ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’.

Hence the use of the pronoun ‘we’

Thanks for the heads up Tonto.

pilly

Deusexmachina wrote: »

I was attempting to describe our ability as grown up human beings to have more complex emotional analysis than just dividing the world into ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’.

Hence the use of the pronoun ‘we’

Thanks for the heads up Tonto.

Not at all, you're welcome.

kylith

Are Am Eye wrote: »

If there was an explanation then he wouldn't be evil.

Not necessarily. For example 'I burned Australians to death because an Australian once beat me up' is an explanation which does not negate the evilness of the act. 'I burned Australians to death because God came to me in my sleep and told me to' is an explanation which could possibly garner some sympathy because the perpetrator is clearly not in their right mind. For me at least 'I started an 18 month campaign to get a 14 year old to perform sex acts on me' has no mitigating factors.

Deusexmachina

pilly wrote: »

Not at all, you're welcome.

Keep an ear to the ground

Are Am Eye

kylith wrote: »

Not necessarily. For example 'I burned Australians to death because an Australian once beat me up' is an explanation which does not negate the evilness of the act. 'I burned Australians to death because God came to me in my sleep and told me to' is an explanation which could possibly garner some sympathy because the perpetrator is clearly not in their right mind. For me at least 'I started an 18 month campaign to get a 14 year old to perform sex acts on me' has no mitigating factors.

That's all fantastic but it's my post you were contradicting and I referred to showing compassion to an evil person. You represented what I said as excusing someone's crimes so they aren't actually bad and then you can show them compassion. I don't mind you disagreeing with me but don't put your thoughts or words in my mouth.

kylith

Are Am Eye wrote: »

That's all fantastic but it's my post you were contradicting and I referred to showing compassion to an evil person. You represented what I said as excusing someone's crimes so they aren't actually bad and then you can show them compassion. I don't mind you disagreeing with me but don't put your thoughts or words in my mouth.

I really don't see how one can feel compassion for someone who has ruined their own life by knowingly and wilfully engaging in heinous acts, such as this man did. He knew what he was doing. He knew that if he were found out he'd lose everything. He did it anyway.

Persoanlly, in order to feel compassion for someone who has ruined their own life through a heinous act there must be some sort of mitigating factor. There is none in this case. He groomed a 14 year old girl. He is the author of his own destruction. He deserves what he gets.

RayM

He's certainly suffered as a result of his actions, but apart from being glad that he didn't succeed in killing himself, I can't say I feel any real sympathy for Humphries. I don't think he should be made to suffer unduly, but I hope he goes to jail for long enough to ensure that he's fully rehabilitated and not just sorry that he got caught.

Outlaw Pete

kylith wrote: »

He deserves what he gets.

Only if he gets what he deserves.

Are Am Eye

kylith wrote: »

I really don't see how one can feel compassion for someone who has ruined their own life by knowingly and wilfully engaging in heinous acts, such as this man did. He knew what he was doing. He knew that if he were found out he'd lose everything. He did it anyway.

Persoanlly, in order to feel compassion for someone who has ruined their own life through a heinous act there must be some sort of mitigating factor. There is none in this case. He groomed a 14 year old girl. He is the author of his own destruction. He deserves what he gets.

You keep going on about mitigating factors.
I never mentioned excuses or mitigating factors.

Whether it is possible to feel compassion for true evil is a philosophical question. Or maybe a metaphysical one. There are different views on it.
You obviously have yours. You should understand that it is at least theoretically possible. It is I think in both Humphries interest and Society's interest that he punished in the extreme. This type of behavior must be ruthlessly cut off at the source. The greatest possible disincentive needs to be sent out to potential future offenders.

retro:electro

He's a disgusting pig. He knew well what he was at. From the article I read it said he initiated sexual conversations but was rebuffed, he backed off and texted causally - probably to gain trust - only to continue with the sexual line of questions a year later.
I feel so much sympathy for the girl. I'd even go as far as saying I'm devastated for her. I hope she manages to shake some of the shame she feels for this in years to come as none of this was any of her fault. She shouldn't have to carry this burden.

Hector Bellend

Even the thoughts of this is disgusting

nagdefy

16,000 texts...that's shocking. The child was bombarded.

If he sent 5 or 6 inappropriate texts with drink taken there might be some understanding for him. But that amount and for the time duration shows a man with no conscience. Did he not think of his own daughter and if she was abused. A huge 6ft 5in man full of his own importance dominating a vulnerable 14 year old girl..

holyhead

Lust is a terribly dual sided sword. Necessary for the population to sustain its existence yet causes incredible hardship for those who have to experience the dark side both as perpetrator and victim of same.

_Dara_

Fuck the perpetrator, to be honest.

nagdefy

Shemale wrote: »

Like that prick Alan Hawe who killed his wife and three sons before killing himself and the initial RTE was all about the lovely man who was involved in GAA and "The Parish", no mention of his defenceless victims.

Exactly. It doesn't matter if you organised Live Aid 10 times over it doesn't in anyway excuse or lessen culpability.

nacho libre

holyhead wrote: »

Lust is a terribly dual sided sword. Necessary for the population to sustain its existence yet causes incredible hardship for those who have to experience the dark side both as perpetrator and victim of same.

What? Ah yeah poor Tom and the hardship he must now endure, sure he could not help himself, lust is all consuming afterall.
Your post is ridiculously glib, and offensive to people who have been through similar experiences to the girl in question.

Deusexmachina

nagdefy wrote: »

16,000 texts...that's shocking. The child was bombarded.

If he sent 5 or 6 inappropriate texts with drink taken there might be some understanding for him. But that amount and for the time duration shows a man with no conscience. Did he not think of his own daughter and if she was abused. A huge 6ft 5in man full of his own importance dominating a vulnerable 14 year old girl..

It’s reported that they exchanged 16000 texts, not that he sent 16000 texts. The actual physical sexual stuff happened when she was 17 I think?

Not excusing him for one second.

pilly

Deusexmachina wrote: »

It’s reported that they exchanged 16000 texts, not that he sent 16000 texts. The actual physical sexual stuff happened when she was 17 I think?

Not excusing him for one second.

She was 16 and he had obviously been grooming her since she was 14.

Sounds very much like you're trying to excuse him.

retro:electro

Deusexmachina wrote: »

It’s reported that they exchanged 16000 texts, not that he sent 16000 texts. The actual physical sexual stuff happened when she was 17 I think?

Not excusing him for one second.

Oh so he only bombarded her with 8000 texts then.
:rolleyes:
He groomed her.

Outlaw Pete

anna080 wrote: »

He's a disgusting pig.

He's no Elvis alright.

Oh wait.

retro:electro

Outlaw Pete wrote: »

He's no Elvis alright.

Oh wait.

Is this meant to be some kind of defence for a paedophile? "Well Elvis did it, so....."

pq0n1ct4ve8zf5

anna080 wrote: »

Is this meant to be some kind of defence for a paedophile? "Well Elvis did it, so....."

The reasoning seems to be

1) it was more socially acceptable in the past.

2) if the genders were reversed bluh blah blab bluh bluh

3) sure doesn't be feel really bad and he's had to face CONSEQUENCES FOR HIS ACTIONS, would you believe. He lost his job!!! His reputation!!!

4) it's not like she was like, three.

5) ?????

6) Everyone who's appalled by this and thinks this man is a piece of shít are stupid sheeple.

Outlaw Pete

Ishaan Stocky Flag wrote: »

The reasoning seems to be

5) ?????

How formulaic. Was there no meme you could have posted?

anna080 wrote: »

Is this meant to be some kind of defence for a paedophile? "Well Elvis did it, so....."

No, anna, it was not meant as some kind of defense of a paedophile.... but sure you got yourself a few backslaps.

The point was that you called the guy a "disgusting pig" but what have his looks got to do with anything? Now don't come back and tell me you were merely calling him a disgusting pig because you know that ain't the full truth. By the way, you're not alone in that. I see it when boys are abused too. Hot teacher shags some 14 year old boy and it's Niiiiice but if she's a fat cow then she gets lambasted and what she did is taken more seriously.

retro:electro

He's a disgusting pig irregardless of what he looks like, Pete. His behaviour tells me that much.

B0jangles

anna080 wrote: »

He's a disgusting pig irregardless of what he looks like, Pete. His behaviour tells me that much.

Yeah, I have to say I took the 'disgusting pig' remark as a critique of his behaviour, not his appearance. Couldn't give a flying feck what he looks like.

WinnyThePoo

Outlaw Pete wrote: »

How formulaic. Was there no meme you could have posted?



No, anna, it was not meant as some kind of defense of a paedophile.... but sure you got yourself a few backslaps.

The point was that you called the guy a "disgusting pig" but what have his looks got to do with anything? Now don't come back and tell me you were merely calling him a disgusting pig because you know that ain't the full truth. By the way, you're not alone in that. I see it when boys are abused too. Hot teacher shags some 14 year old boy and it's Niiiiice but if she's a fat cow then she gets lambasted and what she did is taken more seriously.

Wow! This is screwed up.

pq0n1ct4ve8zf5

Outlaw Pete wrote: »

How formulaic. Was there no meme you could have posted?

The "this child abuser is being subjected to a witch hunt" tune ain't exactly fresh either. Though what with it being Irish based you're tragically deprived of YouTube videos to spam the thread with so at least we're getting the same old shíte in your own words. Yay.

sbsquarepants

Deusexmachina wrote: »

Of course we are able to feel pity and compassion for those who have done wrong and who end up suffering terribly themselves as a result.

He deserves to be punished. I feel sorry for his victim and her suffering. Separately, I feel sorry for his utter degradation as a human being. They are not proportional in any way.

I think what's happening here is that in your attempt to showcase yourself as compassionate, erudite and enlightened, you are in fact coming across as a bit of a twat.

You shouldn't waste your time feeling sorry for him.
What he is, is a dirty sleazy old bastard, what he is not is a victim!

Outlaw Pete

anna080 wrote: »

He's a disgusting pig irregardless of what he looks like, Pete. His behaviour tells me that much.

Fair enough but given that another user had just called him 'unpleasant looking' a few posts up from yours, I felt you calling him a 'disgusting pig' was in a similar vain to that. Apologies.

Ishaan Stocky Flag wrote: »

Though what with it being Irish based you're tragically deprived of YouTube videos to spam the thread with so at least we're getting the same old shíte in your own words. Yay.

Not sure why you're making this personal, but that would imply that if it were this thread about a UK case I'd be "spamming" it with videos, but for that comment to have any merit it would mean that I'd have had to have posted a rake of videos in the Adam Johnson thread, for example, but I don't recall doing so. From memory I just recall posting reasoned arguments that the usual suspects couldn't remotely retort. They were good at flinging around accusations of misogyny mind you but aren't they always.

As for the suggestion that I believe this is a witch hunt, I do not, but I do feel that the reaction has been ott and that calls from him to get 25 years are absurd. Spin and slice that anyway you wish.

nagdefy

Deusexmachina wrote: »

It’s reported that they exchanged 16000 texts, not that he sent 16000 texts. The actual physical sexual stuff happened when she was 17 I think?

Not excusing him for one second.

8,000 texts instead of 16,000 oh that's much better so. She was 14. Did you read some of the content of those text messages as posted on a Journal article here. Filthy, depraved language used by a person in authority to degrade another.

When she was 17 i think At least if you're making an argument have your facts straight, none of this 'i think' business. She was 14 in December 2008, the sexual defilement took place 2 years later.

He's a gross, detestable man who choose to act out his fantasies with a vulnerable girl. He had no remorse for over 2 years and then became suicidal when caught.

Why are you defending him so staunchly, do you know him, a friend of his?

Deusexmachina

sbsquarepants wrote: »

I think what's happening here is that in your attempt to showcase yourself as compassionate, erudite and enlightened, you are in fact coming across as a bit of a twat.

You shouldn't waste your time feeling sorry for him.
What he is, is a dirty sleazy old bastard, what he is not is a victim!

You are probably right. He’s hardly a great candidate for sympathy. I apologise.

I suppose I just felt ‘Jaysus, imagine being him right now!!!’. We were all someone’s baby once.

Anyone who abuses children is beneath contempt.

I totally agree that our focus should be on the victim and not the perpetrator.

Omackeral

Deusexmachina wrote: »

You are probably right. He’s hardly a great candidate for sympathy. I apologise.

I suppose I just felt ‘Jaysus, imagine being him right now!!!’. We were all someone’s baby once.

Anyone who abuses children is beneath contempt.

I totally agree that our focus should be on the victim and not the perpetrator.

Glad to see you coming round. The girl was somebody's, not baby but, child when he groomed her. That's where my pity would go and only there. He made his bed, now he can lie in it. Every last bit of it was his own doing, hard to pity that. He lost his family and his job and his rep... only because of his own vile actions.

Shemale

anna080 wrote: »

Oh so he only bombarded her with 8000 texts then.
:rolleyes:
He groomed her.

8000 texts in 3 months, 88 a day.

My wife loves me but she would punch me in the face if I texted her 88 times in ONE DAY

Asus X540L

Not excusing Humphries but modern humans are around about two hundred thousand years and it's only in the last hundred that women wouldn't be married with kids by 16 or 17

In fact I was reading about Anglo Saxon culture lately and a 16 year old woman was considered past it if she wasn't married.

That said, if no sympathy for him he knew he was ****ed if and when he was caught.
Sounds like a mid life crisis to the extreme

pilly

Asus X540L wrote: »

Not excusing Humphries but modern humans are around about two hundred thousand years and it's only in the last hundred that women wouldn't be married with kids by 16 or 17

In fact I was reading about Anglo Saxon culture lately and a 16 year old woman was considered past it if she wasn't married.

That said, if no sympathy for him he knew he was ****ed if and when he was caught.
Sounds like a mid life crisis to the extreme

There's a huge difference between 2 people of the same age with the same power in a relationship together than one between 2 people where one has all the power.

Shemale

Asus X540L wrote: »

Not excusing Humphries but modern humans are around about two hundred thousand years and it's only in the last hundred that women wouldn't be married with kids by 16 or 17

In fact I was reading about Anglo Saxon culture lately and a 16 year old woman was considered past it if she wasn't married.

That said, if no sympathy for him he knew he was ****ed if and when he was caught.
Sounds like a mid life crisis to the extreme

But were people dead in their thirties and we are only here to keep the race going, if they had kids later than 20s they would die leaving kids under 10 to fend for themselves

valoren

Fair play to his daughter for actually doing something about it.
To her mother who contacted her brother and them all for confronting him.

Could very easily have been brushed under carpet when his daughter saw those messages initially.

I'm sure there are many incidents like this that are buried.

Uosdwis R. Dewoh

pilly wrote: »

There's a huge difference between 2 people of the same age with the same power in a relationship together than one between 2 people where one has all the power.

Although much older men marrying girls was a thing way back, but there are consent laws now which were brought in for a reason.

It is weird that women can become mothers at 12 when that's an horrific thing to happen. Sometimes the sociocultural and biological don't tally.

Uosdwis R. Dewoh

Uosdwis R. Dewoh wrote: »

It is weird that women can become mothers at 12 when that's an horrific thing to happen. Sometimes the sociocultural and biological don't tally.

Women don't become mothers at 12.

Sometimes 12 year old children give birth.

A 12 year old isn't a woman.

Asus X540L

Shemale wrote: »

8000 texts in 3 months, 88 a day.

My wife loves me but she would punch me in the face if I texted her 88 times in ONE DAY

Back when meteor started free texts for the month if you top up by twenty I sent 14,000 one month.

Just spam annoying my friends but it's possible

retro:electro

Asus X540L wrote: »

Back when meteor started free texts for the month if you top up by twenty I sent 14,000 one month.

Just spam annoying my friends but it's possible

Annoying friends (plural) is dramatically different to bombarding one person with explicit messages.
I know your point was that it can be done, but you admit you were spamming and being annoying- he wasn't.