Why do we continue with this farce of naming people who have been accused of sex offences? Lets take for example, David Thomas Bonython-Wright.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/counsellor-facing-sex-charges-named-as-david-thomas-bonython-wright/story-e6frea83-1226224467488
In a previous post, I exploded over the fact a teenage driver/killer under the age of 18 has his named suppressed forever because of his stupid act and his age, and yet, a man stands accused, and not yet proven guilty, and has his named splashed all over newspapers and television. I understand that some names are suppressed to protect the victims, there is no problem in doing that.
My beef is with the naming of accused offenders prior to them being found guilty - if found guilty at all. Whether you like it or not, as soon as people read or hear about someone accused of an offence, in particular, a sexual offence, in most cases, they assume the ''victim'' is telling the truth, and the accused is guilty. SHIT STICKS.
So if the accused is found not guilty, they've had their life potentially ''ruined'' by the publication of their name. If the accused is found guilty, fine, by all means, splash their name all over the media (unless it is supressed). But until they're found guilty, keep it out of the media.
But as typical, the media will argue that everyone has a right to know. What bullshit. The media are only interested in one thing. Stories to help them sell papers or TV time. Make it as sensational as possible. If the general population really think the media care about them, they'd better think again.
Why do we have these double standards? It really pisses me off. You only have to look at another high profile case - Dominique Strauss-Kahn and the maid. Virtually everyone in the public was condemning DSK, because of the automatic belief that she was telling the truth and DSK was guilty - why else would she come out with this story? And then, a little more of the truth starts coming out and finally, people start to realise that a money hungry bitch of a maid is trying to get her 15 minutes of fame (and probably some type of "victims of crime'' payout, or a payout by DSK).
HOWEVER, if DSK had never had his name published, he still might have his job at the IMF and a bit more pride. There will of course be people who think DSK is still guilty, but got off on a technicality, again, proving that SHIT STICKS. I hope he sues the bitch for all she is worth, which is probably nothing anyway. Who cares, get her thrown out on the street so she can go live in a ghetto where she belongs.
Get Real
Update: 28/5/2013
David Bonython-Wright has been found guilty of his alleged crimes. I gather from circulating news, he has been granted an appeal based on mismatching evidence presented by the prosecution. Naturally, no details were given as to what exactly will make up the basis of the appeal, apart from what has been stated.
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/counsellor-facing-sex-charges-named-as-david-thomas-bonython-wright/story-e6frea83-1226224467488
In a previous post, I exploded over the fact a teenage driver/killer under the age of 18 has his named suppressed forever because of his stupid act and his age, and yet, a man stands accused, and not yet proven guilty, and has his named splashed all over newspapers and television. I understand that some names are suppressed to protect the victims, there is no problem in doing that.
My beef is with the naming of accused offenders prior to them being found guilty - if found guilty at all. Whether you like it or not, as soon as people read or hear about someone accused of an offence, in particular, a sexual offence, in most cases, they assume the ''victim'' is telling the truth, and the accused is guilty. SHIT STICKS.
So if the accused is found not guilty, they've had their life potentially ''ruined'' by the publication of their name. If the accused is found guilty, fine, by all means, splash their name all over the media (unless it is supressed). But until they're found guilty, keep it out of the media.
But as typical, the media will argue that everyone has a right to know. What bullshit. The media are only interested in one thing. Stories to help them sell papers or TV time. Make it as sensational as possible. If the general population really think the media care about them, they'd better think again.
Why do we have these double standards? It really pisses me off. You only have to look at another high profile case - Dominique Strauss-Kahn and the maid. Virtually everyone in the public was condemning DSK, because of the automatic belief that she was telling the truth and DSK was guilty - why else would she come out with this story? And then, a little more of the truth starts coming out and finally, people start to realise that a money hungry bitch of a maid is trying to get her 15 minutes of fame (and probably some type of "victims of crime'' payout, or a payout by DSK).
HOWEVER, if DSK had never had his name published, he still might have his job at the IMF and a bit more pride. There will of course be people who think DSK is still guilty, but got off on a technicality, again, proving that SHIT STICKS. I hope he sues the bitch for all she is worth, which is probably nothing anyway. Who cares, get her thrown out on the street so she can go live in a ghetto where she belongs.
Get Real
Update: 28/5/2013
David Bonython-Wright has been found guilty of his alleged crimes. I gather from circulating news, he has been granted an appeal based on mismatching evidence presented by the prosecution. Naturally, no details were given as to what exactly will make up the basis of the appeal, apart from what has been stated.
While you have a point was about the protection of vunerable people. This person is a regular visitor to Victoria working with Black Saturday victims. This story has just just broke over here after his last visit. There should be some safeguard that he people bringing him over here should have known about the charges to ensure the safety of vunerable people and to safe guard him so he was not in a position alone with people.
ReplyDeleteProtect yes but establish the facts first. If this man is innocent he will never work again.
DeleteEasy for us to have an opinion, I bet it's different on the other side.
What are we protecting the public from in this case?
Even I know that... "There should be some safeguard that he people bringing him over here should have known about the charges to ensure the safety of vulnerable people and to safe guard him so he was not in a position alone with people." And I agree, this goes without saying.
I have not committed such a crime, so should I be named, by the above-mentioned reasoning simply upon a persons accusation without first establishing its validity.
Should one be judged publicly on hearsay?
Guilty? then let the full weight of the law fall, no argument.
Innocent? No matter what the courts say, public opinion has judged.
Establish it first....
There have been rumours about this mans behaviour since the late 1980s and it seems they have finally caught up with him. There will be a lot of happy young men now that he has been named.
DeleteTo 21 June 2012
DeleteDitto
Late 1970s; so even earlier
So you defended his suppression order and the fact that Black Saturday victims had him revisit the area without declaring his charges. Yes we did have the right to know this so that we can make the decision to ask him to leave. We were not in SA and where unaware of much of this case. It was not widely report here. What let him find more victims?
DeleteI can tell you personally, the dirty prick is guilty and a liar.
ReplyDeleteHe sure as hell is very guilty Well done for speaking the truth As a typical pedo he is manipulative
DeleteI have known this man since the mid 70's and he has had access to lots of young vulnerable Children if he is found guilty then let me be the first to lock the prison door behind him. Why would anyone bring up false accusations after all this time, It takes courage and conviction to bring charges after so much time and the impact on victims lives are horrendous and follow through those charges in court is painful and intrusive. Why is it that every sex offender "did'nt do it" if you do the crime do the time.....Disapointed
ReplyDeleteI would also be happy to help shut the door.
ReplyDeleteI hope that justice in this instance will prevail.
I have also known Dave since the early 80's, and he has had close ties with my family, myself and my brothers since we were all young and 'vunerable'. My family has nothing but the highest of regard for him, in fact he delivered a eulogy at my brothers funeral in March. The tremendous work that he has done whilst being involved in numerous communities since the start of his working career is immense. I struggle to believe that this is not a set up, or a grab for money. I myself have been through the courts in SA as a victim in a sexual abuse case, before they changed the laws and it was tough, and no payment. Now the way the law is structured makes me believe that people who are not true victims have a much easier ride through the system with a large financial bonus at the end. And as for the innocent having their names splashed through the media before being found guilty is just so incredibly damaging to all aspects to not only their life but that of their families.
ReplyDeleteLiz, I think the most hurtful comment toward survivors of child abuse is by far your own.
DeleteHaving been on the other side of it all, I'm sure you yourself understand how deluded people can be when it comes to someone the know and trust.
It's your comment alone that shows how difficult it can be to find support to come forward; when ANOTHER sexual abuse victim cannot even give the support so sorely need to someone else who has come forward. This process is not and never has been easy, for the victim or the families and loved ones involved on EITHER SIDE; yet another misguided statement where you "believe" you are right.
Shame on you.
Hi Liz, I am one of the two people who testified against David Bonython Wrong. I do recall you from way back then. Liz, good people do bad things and sometimes, bad people do good things and somewhere in between lie the rest of us. We all hate it when our heroes fall from grace because we put so much emphasis on their image they portray and we look up to them for inspiration and guidance for so much we want to believe in. Im saddened that you think that myself and the other victim of Davids devious ways are telling lies and after money.... I don't need nor do I want any of his money. All I wanted was for him to tell his wife the truth and say sorry to me for being such a sleaze and using me up for the years that he did.I feel sad for his kids because their illusion of who he is has been shattered but his wife has walked around with blinkers on for years and when the testimony is released one day it will make an interesting read because Im certain she was lying through her teeth to save her precious image and if you know her aswell as I do you will know how false and plastic that situation REALLY is. I have no anger towards him anymore but he is where he is because of his actions and Im over carrying his shit around and its now all his to own. Good luck coming to grips with the other side of Davids sicko persona that we had to hide for him for 28 years......
DeleteI have know Dave since the early 80's, I lived with him and his family a number of times. He helped myself and my Brother many times and kept us out of trouble, even as a adult Dave was still there for myself and any of my family members , My brother passed away in Feb and Dave even going through a lot him self was still there for our family.
ReplyDeleteLiz, there is no financial gain for either victim in this matter - not a cent. It's very difficult to imagine that someone we trust could have a dark side and commit such crimes - to do so throws into doubt our ability to judge character. Sadly David is not the person you think he is.
ReplyDeleteI am so disapointed in Dave yes he did great things for people including me, but you do the crime you do the time, police do not persue people willy nilly they must have evidence to charge and take to court and convict to which they did with David.
ReplyDeleteI remember Dave visiting my in Pt Augusta Prison in the late 70's and he said he couldn't survive in such a place well Dave your about to find out the evil you have done has clearly out weighed all the good you have done, I feel for your family as they now have a sentences too. To the victims I take my hat for coming forward takes courage and I hope this conviction brings you closer to healing some of the pain.
I will alway's remember this piece of arrogant crap. 32 Years later I remember him. I was 19 and I ended up at one of his so called parties and I noticed a young man with bandages wrapped around his wrist's He was vunrebale and he spoke to me about david and his so called future wife at the time He was sodimised by David and seduced by David's future wife. The young man being of school age years told me of others that had fallen to david's predatory ways I will never forget the poor young person and I pray to god that it is him that has finally reported the predator. I nearly died when I found out via google that shit Head was a councillor a few years ago More victims. The truth will come out God Bless the poeple that have stood up to him the truth will come out I am praying very hard and I am so sorry I could not have done more to help his victims
ReplyDeleteHe was found guilty yesterday! Apparently very moving impact statements and he was arrogant while they were being read. Smirking and pulling faces. Absolutely no remorse, Karma's a bitch when you are a creep!Amazing acts of bravery for the victims.
ReplyDeleteHilarious that people who "know him" can defend him; I can assure you the families of abusers very rarely know what is happening behind closed doors.
ReplyDeleteTo think this process is "easy" is ill-informed and sadly all too common. The years of evidence, the years of time spent from family, work and loved ones to re-hash horrible events from the past, which are scrutinized by dozen of professionals before it even makes it to the courts, is not something you ordinary people should take lightly or believe is "easy" until you experience it yourself. And by "ordinary" I mean lucky, as this is obviously a process you have never had to go through.
I would be absolutely amazed that ANY convicted perpetrators from the 60s/70s/80s are actually innocent; and David Bonython-Wright is no exception.
And deep down inside you all know it; it's just hard to accept and admit you put your faith is such a disgusting man.
Hey Dave I know you'll be reading these posts coz your ego is so massive you truly believe you have done no wrong well buddy your wrong, your about to enter a whole world of pain in protective custody with all the other rock spiders, all crying yourself to sleep each night “Why me” “I did nothing wrong”. Step up to the plate Dave and own your evil & sick behaviour. I just hope the screws leave the cell door open one night so some big motherfucker can use you for his bitch and sick his hand up your arse and switch your heart off. Those poor poor boys you abused, they have a life sentence with physical and emotional scars, my heart goes out to them and how brave were they to bring you to justice, I hope others come forward and bring more charges on you and you spend many years behind bars.
ReplyDeleteNot much more to say than we will know what happens to David in 3 weeks. The victim statements were so powerful and remarkable and as others have said - very brave to go through the whole long legal process. I hope for ongoing peace and healing for all concerned.
ReplyDeleteDave, I have known you and Bev since the 1970s from when we were all at Flinders Uni together. Dave, your very soul is in danger, let alone the mess you have made for your natural life. You must humble yourself, you must repent of your wrongdoing in order to heal and to overcome yourself. There is no future for you both naturally nor spiritually without repentance. Jesus has the power and grace to heal you and to allow you to become a new person by receiving the Holy Spirit - BUT this will never happen if you keep your pride and maintain your self-denial. Dave, repent, there is no other way.
ReplyDeleteWhere was your god and your Jesus when those poor boys were being sexually abused by David? Jesus won't help him or save him.....
DeleteWatching David and accounting his sins against him, just like He is watching you.
DeleteSorry buddy I'm off to hell....
Deletein the ten commandments, god is quoted as threatening to visit their father's iniquity upon the next four generations in response to that man hating him. and hatred is not loving god enough, devoutly or being sufficiently subservient, it's a rather loose definition. this kind of thing is so much more prevalent that we all realise. and the bad news is, so many wars, conflict and discontent is engineered by these people to suit their own agenda to have control over people. bonython-wright is a small player in a much bigger game. i was told about deep creek when i was back in high school, back in the late 70s. it was a known place of delight, it was labor party conferences at victor harbor. at this point in time, people coming to adelaide for things like this can be assured they will garner international attention. like keith bartley from the UK when he accepted the job from the likes of jay weatherill. seriously, that's grounds to be investigated if jayboy gives you any consideration like that. they did investigate and it paid off. they found over in bartley's old job in the UK, same as arts sa have been identified as being here in adelaide. truly, after that trafficking in children idea, there was clearly grounds to investigate and it included there don't go near the fringe or anything like that, keep your children safe. and as for the schools. you know, the organisation Adult Survivors of Child Abuse managed to tell me that the public is service is run by paedophiles. but things are changing. there was a time not so long ago that police would be called out to deal with some angry parent losing it on the school grounds. but these days, you don't hear that so much, rather it's more about teacher gets 8 years gaol.
Deleteseriously, there's investigation all over the world that is based on intelligence arising out of the situation here in adelaide south australia. truly, the government here, labor party is an organisation called the fabians. and fabians are renown for being paedophiles. for the violation of children. seriously, like what kind of deception do we live under? by what contrivance do we afford such esteem and reverence to the most vile misanthropy in human history?
There you go. A decade behind bars.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely deserved.
As said at the start he was brought in here to work with football club, youth groups and youth after Black Saturday. He should not have been hailed as the hero. His last visit was after he had been charged but his name was supressed so of course no one knew. Being interstate most would not have been aware if not for one local paper printing something. This means the suppression could have allowed him access to more potential victims. Our community was vulnerable and grieving, we should not have to deal with this as well.
ReplyDeleteA resolution to pain and anguish for many, but the beginning for others. In many ways a surreal outcome, a long judical process that has now provided a fair (?) legal outcome. Will compassion ever be shown?
ReplyDeleteThree Supreme Court of Appeal judges today unanimously dismissed Bonyghon-Wright's appeal against conviction and refused leave to appeal against the sentence.
ReplyDeleteDavid Bonython-Wright's application to the High Court to seek special leave to appeal was heard on March 14. The judges dismissed the defence argument that he suffered a mistrial due to a legal technicality. The original sentence of 10 years in jail, six years before parole, stands.
ReplyDelete