Can guards retrieve text messages from over 20 years ago?

Teacher2020

When I was 14 I was groomed by a man in his 20s. We had a 'relationship' and he persuaded me to do things I wasn't ready for or comfortable with. I've been in denial for years about what he did to me. It is only in recent years that I understand what happened and that it was a criminal offence. I have no proof of what happened so I presume it is not something that I could take to court. The only possible proof I have is text messages that would have been exchanged between us at that time. I didn't keep them but I am wondering if the Garda could retrieve them?

L1011

No.

The networks won't even have them - two years is the retention limit, and that is even questionable as to its EU legality.

Teacher2020

Thanks I knew it was a long shot. Just trying to find closure on it.

I wouldn’t concern yourself with what is “possible proof” or not- you have a wider story to tell here- times, locations, dates, memories - you have lots of Evidence - more so than you think. And you never know, the perpetrator may well have kept their old phone with those text messages on them.

If you feel up to it, go to the gardai and tell your story.

some helpful information here too.

Best wishes whatever you decide to do. Stay Well.

https://www.crimevictimshelpline.ie/

Teacher2020

Thanks PlentyOhToole. Yes I know I have my own story to tell. Don't know how comfortable I'd feel about it with no concrete proof. I had the whole thing buried and locked in a box until about 3 years ago when I ran into him in blanchardstown with his wife and child. Id say he doesn't even see anything wrong with what he did. Really bugged me to see him and he just spoke so normally to me. His wife asked how he knew me and he said that we used to go out back in the day. Since then I've wished that I confronted him there and then about it all but I wasn't strong enough.

CrookedJack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119024812#Comment_119024812

You don't necessarily need to worry yourself about proving this or finding evidence, that is the role of the Gardai. You should think about whether you feel strong enough for what could be a difficult process, about if/how it'll benefit you to confront this.

Also while you absolutely are not morally obliged to put yourself through what might be an ordeal, it could be worthwhile to think about how you'd feel knowing he could be preying on other young people? I'm not suggesting you need to re-traumatise yourself on their behalf but it might help solidify your feelings one way or another.

Also you don't need to answer but what age were you when this happened?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119024812#Comment_119024812

A bus conductor on a CIE bus groomed me when I was about 12 or 13 and tried it on with me on the top of the bus in broad daylight- this was back in the 80s - he could be dead now but probably still only in his early 70s if alive. I actually bumped into him and his wife years later - we just passed each other in the street and exchanged polite pleasantries (mad I know)- so look I hear where you’re coming from. I never reported him all these years later and maybe I still should. I just don’t want to be involved personally but I’d still like the Gardai to know as they’d easily find out who it was- if they wanted to . If there was a confidential email address I’d consider using that but I don’t think there is.

Consider making a confidential call on the first instance and just tell your story and see how that goes- and if you’re working and your company has an EAP confidential service I do recommend you explore that.

There’s no compulsion on you to do anything- I just hope you stay well but don’t give a second thought about telling your story- even telling it could help with healing- the judicial process is a whole different ball game so don’t try and second guess that- leave that to the professionals to worry about - believe me you can create great trouble for that “gentleman” by even just telling the Gardai your story-