Thursday, 18th March 2010

News from the Guernsey Press

Mean thief stole this little boy’s Christmas

Christmas burglary victim Braden Bougourd. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0895782)

Christmas burglary victim Braden Bougourd. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0895782)

A LITTLE boy has been left scared and devastated by a thief who stole his Christmas presents.

Braden Bougourd, 7, came home with his mum after staying with relatives over Christmas to find their flat had been burgled.

Jayne Bougourd, 24, lives with her son in the Guelles Flats on the Vrangue Estate. They had spent Christmas and Boxing Day with her family.

‘I came back on Sunday at about 4.30pm,’ said the full-time single mum. ‘I thought the kitchen was a bit messy, then Braden said, “Mum, we’ve had a robbery”.’

She found her wardrobe had been gone through and all the drawers pulled out.

The thieves had left Braden’s toys but taken his much-loved Xbox, new Wii and all the games.

‘He was devastated,’ said Miss Bougourd. ‘He was in hysterics. It was his life.

‘He was scared to come back here.’

Article posted on 31st December, 2009 - 2.30pm

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71 Article Comments

  1. Jon

    While I appreciate the inevitable distress and disappointment arising from the burglary, I have to question what Father Christmas was thinking if he gave a 7-year old boy Assassin’s Creed 2, which is rated as an 18 game, suitable for mature players and containing “Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content and Strong Language” (source http://www.assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com). Sounds to me like the thief might have done the poor boy a favour!

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  2. Dean

    Very harsh, especially around Christmas. Not only did his presents get stolen, his Xbox 360 and DVD player too!

    It isn’t mentioned here, but in the Guernsey Press it says his copy of ‘Assassins Creed 2′ (from Santa) was stolen. I was slightly shocked at this as the game has a 15 rating, perhaps Santa returned after realising his mistake?

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  3. Mr T

    Oh get a life Jon ! The poor kid’s house got burgled and thats all your worried about!
    And where does it mention anything about Assassin’s Creed 2 anyway?! it says X Box and Wii

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  4. Nik

    I am sorry this family have had to go through the awful stress of finding their home has been burgled, I would not wish this on anyone at anytime of the year. I agree with Jon above, what on earth was the thought process behind Father Christmas giving a 7 year old such a game? Games have ratings for a reason i.e. they are suitable only for those who are of that age, certainly not for children some 11 years younger than the recommended age.
    Also when I was a single-mum, working full-time there is no way I could afford two games consoles, games and a laptop. However I hope the burgler is caught and the items returned, minus the unsuitable game!

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  5. Concerned Parent

    As Jon said above I find it quite disturbing that a 7-year old is casually given a 15/18 certificate game with full-on blood and extreme violence – at Christmas!

    Bringing children up in this manner is very likely to have dire consequences.

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  6. Robin Hood

    My heart goes out to Braden. Whoever carried out this robbery was a coward. Why steal a child’s Christmas gifts?

    However like Jon I was also surprised to read that a 7 year old had been given a totally unsuitable, violent game for the X Box, a game which is intended for a much older teenager or adult. Perhaps if only this game had been taken, rather than all of Braden’s presents, one might suspect that the “robbery” had been carried out by someone concerned for the child’s welfare.

    I hope the rest of Braden’s presents can be recovered and returned to him and the thief or thieves can be brought to justice. No family’s home should be robbed on Christmas Day, as I said before, this was a cowardly act.

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  7. muzeek

    Jon
    i totally agree with you, and if you are correct what on earth were his parents thinking of. We are talking of a 7 year not someone who is anywhere close to being 18.

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  8. Paul Le Page

    Jon – can you show me where in the article it said that the lad owned that particular game?

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  9. Marquis

    jon, at no point in the article did it state that the boy had that game. what are you talking about?

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  10. Marquis

    unless it was mentioned in the newspaper copy, of course in which case, yeah that is a silly game for a 7 year old.

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  11. Mike

    i agree with what jon says, and i would also like to question how the little boy is too scared to sleep becasue of the robbery, and yet is happy to play Assassin’s Creed 2, in which you track down your enemies and kill them. Something doesnt make sense about that. I just hope nobody kind takes pity on him and buys him a new copy of the game because he is far too young for it.

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  12. Mum22

    Jon – that is exactly the first thing that came to mind when reading this article – as sad as the story is I was gobsmacked when I read that section – I would suggest that if this is the kind of gaming that this little boy is being exposed to then an opportunistic thief is the least of his worries.

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  13. melissa

    jon i agree. also it has been heard that the flat was not locked at the time and was rarely if ever locked! If you value belongings and appreciate value of cash then you lock and safeguard your belongings and if, as she said, she was out for 2 days then definately she should have locked up. If rumours are to be believed that is. I also think it odd that a boy has 2 days away from his presents over xmas without wanting to go home and play with them? Without judgement I agree that game was HIGHLY inapt and maybe a favour done.

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  14. craig

    I Agree with jon.Games are rated for a reason! What is a ‘full time single mum’anyway? and if the lady doesn’t work then how does the lad have two consoles and multiple games at 35 pounds a pop?
    Regardless of my thoughts, i do feel for any victim of crime such as this.

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  15. Paul Le Page

    Thanks for clearing that up Dean.

    The inappropriate nature of the presents doesn’t excuse the crime though.

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  16. Julie

    It seems like most of you cares more about the fact that “Santa” gave Braden a 15/18 game than about the actualy robbery of their flat. Yes it is unsuitable for a 7 year old to play such a game, but the thief did still not do the boy or his mum a “favor” by taking the said game and other personal possesions. It is still something that the family bought and therefore it is their game, not the thief’s. Furthermore, he could be under parental supervision when playing the game so that time and access to the game is restricted.

    Regardless of that, Nobody deserves to be robbed, regardless of what they may own. I feel sorry for both Braden and his mother and I do hope the thiefs will be caught.

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  17. GG

    Sorry, you are all getting hooked up on these media stories saying blood and violent games cause kids to become murderers, this is totally false, and untrue. I imagine, like the good parent she is, she watched the game being played by her son.

    I’ve watched 18’s when I was a lot younger than that, did I become a murderer? No!

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  18. Paul

    Regardless of the suitability of the games, this poor family have been robbed which dare i say will bear a greater scar than any computer game. Besides which, how long did he have to play it?

    Get real people! Jaden, i hope you get suitable replacements from Father Christmas, you never know, he might drop by unexpected on his long journey back to the North Pole

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  19. deb

    Can people remember the issue of the news story it is about the horrid burgler and not about what the mother can afford or what she chooses to give her child at the end of the day most kids realise it is just a game remember the issue people it is the burglar who is the lowest of the low going in to peoples homes and taking their possesions !!!!! hope this vile low person is caught and i hope this poor boy and mum can move on and not be scared in their own home they are the victims !!!

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  20. sharon

    every one is going on about a game which i cannot see in the article ,however the person who went into the flat and robbed it should be taught a lesson in the court room ,as stealing from a child is terrible ,and because she is a single mother and got him these gifts dont mean she got loads of money ,it may have taken her months to save for these presents ,because ive been a single mum ,but at xmas you try your best to plz your kids .so dont be harsh about a game just think i bet you all had a great xmas with presents to open ,did this little boy ?

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  21. Mum22

    Julie and GG – I quite appreciate your comments but would say that I am quite sure that everyone who has commented on this article appreciates the distress of someone violating this family’s home but I assume that the comments about the thief ‘doing the boy a favour’ are somewhat ‘tongue-in-cheek’ – the reason that most people have commented on the game mentioned in the Press is that quite simply to expose a 7 year old boy to this type of game is completely inappropriate – it does not matter whether the boys mother restricts his playing/supervises it – there is a reason for age-restrictions on games. It will no doubt, not turn him into a murderer as GG suggests that we are all thinking – what it may and has been shown to do is to de-sensitise children/cause behavioural changes (ask some teachers for their view…). There is simply no excuse for encouraging children to ‘play’ at this level of violence and make the excuse that it is make believe – because one day it may not be.

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  22. Dean

    Perhaps people feel that the mothers lack of responsibility/common sense when choosing gifts for her son could also have been a factor in the robbery.

    I think it is fair for some commenter’s to say that perhaps the thief had done them a favour (in a very twisted way). After all, his mother says the gaming “was his life”, a very worrying comment about a 7 year old.

    And to GG, no one is saying these games inspire murder later in life, but they are still unsuitable. An 18 certificate could mean murder, rape, drugs or ironically, robbery. Not something a 7 year old should be seeing or enacting!

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  23. The Man

    So by reading some of the comments here I am getting the impression that most of you are happy for this lady to be burgled as long as the items being taken are “unsuitable”.

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  24. bcb

    Perhaps the likes of bush and blair had games of this kind in their stockings?

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  25. MissDemeanour

    My partner (who is older than 18!) also got this game for Christmas and I have seen him playing it. No matter how much supervision this 7 year old would have had, he would still be playing a game that involves stabbing other characters through the eyes with daggers and slitting their throats. It’s all fun and games until he starts mimicking the actions on his friends whilst playing a game in the playground… as Mum22 said, no child should think that level of violence is a “game” or acceptable behaviour to mimic.

    However no child should ever have this happen to them, nor any adult for that matter. It seems that poor Braden is the victim no matter which way you look at it.

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  26. coco

    i thought this article was about a boy being burgled, what he WAS getting for xmas is nothing to do with us. we should be slating the burgler not the parents.

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  27. Paul

    Well I raised the poor lads plight with members of a few charities that I am involved with.

    These kind folk have offered a new replacement XBOX 360 with Kill Bill & Grand Theft Auto as educational alternatives.

    No doubt the little lovely will be so preoccupied with these new titles the full time mother will have a bit of free time to bake some cakes!

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  28. Jon

    Paul – nice one. Don’t suppose you noticed that Grand Theft Auto also has the same mature rating according to the Entertaintment Software Rating Board? Yes, you guessed it: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol. Not quite what I’d call “educational”, but in your opinion obviously perfect for any 7-year old!

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  29. Toby

    Jon, I take it you had your sense of humour and sarcasm detector stolen over Christmas ????

    Noone condones the burglars actions, but to be fair how were they supposed to know the console and 18 rated games were the property of a 7 year old ?
    Yes being a victim of crime isn’t pleasant for anyone, but to spin a story on the fact that the criminal deliberately ruined a childs Christmas is going a bit far for my liking …

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  30. j

    Amazed that no one else has picked up on the bti of this story that really shocked me

    “He was in hysterics. It was his life.”

    I’m hoping that she doesn’t mean that the xbox was a 7 year olds “life”

    I enjoy video games as much (and quite a bit more) than the next person and would be gutted if any of my consoles we stolen. But i would not describe them as my life and if it was my 7 year old it would be a cause for much concern if they were.

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  31. Ed

    We were burgled at the same time of year when my wife was in hospital having a child, my mind was on other things at the time and I did not secure our property. My own fault then…

    The other children and my wife never even realised or met the rozzers, no point in getting them all upset just before Christmas.

    We lost cash only, the violation of your personal space by some scummy druggie is the worst thing, that and the lost cash.

    My wife found me out because the GP were too accurate in their reporting!!

    Never nice at any time, but, he still should not have an 15/18 rated game at 7 years old. FACT.

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  32. Andy

    Better education in schools and more energetic Policing is the answer.

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  33. Student Bob

    Damn those pesky legal high users. Stealing from small children to fund their noxious, deadly habit.

    Luckily for the small child in question, I too have spoken with some local charities, here, in a bleak, depressing university town in the North of Engerland. They have agreed to provide him with a kitchen knife and a sock with a couple of snooker balls in it. Hopefully he can continue to enjoy the senseless violence that “is his life” AND get some much needed fresh air and social interaction at the same time.

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  34. MrsPinthepantry

    Bob Darling!

    That goes along well with the DVD I’m donating:-

    Scum – The Musical…….

    Everyone sing along now:

    “Don’t go into the greenhouse, greenhouse. Don’t go into the greenhouse lalalalalala.”

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  35. Debs

    I am so sorry to hear about the mean burglar. Fair play Paul (from a few posts back) Its lovely to know that there are kind hearted residents out there who have been able to sort something out for Braden.
    And to the burglar – shame on you

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  36. TS

    No matter what the crime was, the biggest one is allowing young childern to play these sorts of games.

    Think about what that could do to the child in the long term. Turn him into someone that carries out the same sorts of things, killings etc?

    You have to look at the parents to see why childern behave the way they do these days, no one else to blame but themselves.

    Sorry no sympathy in this case, that child has possibly been saved this year from a possible life of crime!

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  37. GG

    I think you’re all still forgetting, it’s just a game…

    I agree, he shouldn’t be inside playing on his Xbox all day, as the PS3 hands down beats it. But a 7 year old should be outside, I guess to his mother it’s either money or looking after her kid, she could perhaps not spend money like she does, spend time with the child and be a little bit poorer, as she works less hours. Oh well.

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  38. John

    I unreservedly condemn heartless robbery in what ever form. These animals should try working for their money rather than stealing from those less fortunate in life.

    However I must say that the overriding impression I was left with when I had read the article in the Guernsey Press was that this 7 year old considered the XBox his life and also that he should not be allowed to be using Assassins Creed II which is, I understand, rated 18. Irresponsible parenting ?

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  39. Mr T

    TS – I sincerely hope your comment is sarcastic in some way, if not that is by far the most ridiculously stupid and insensitive comment I’ve ever seen posted on this site!
    How can you possibly think that a child playing ‘these sort of games’ is worse than any other crime!
    So in your book then a kid playing a video game is still far worse than murder, rape and torture? NICE ONE!

    If you don’t have sympathy for a poor innocent child that got his present robbed over Christmas and you think playing a video game is worse than any other crime I think you’re in of some serious help or maybe you’ll be joining the thief in prison the way your thinking!

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  40. Dean

    @Mr T
    Thanks for taking time away from playing WoW to comment here!

    The reason it’s the “most ridiculously stupid and insensitive comment” you have seen here is because the comments section is moderated. This is to protect your your precious mind from the evils that people sometimes write.

    Of Course TS is right, I think we are all agreed that this thief should be rewarded in some way for highlighting (and intervening in) a dreadful case of parenting.

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  41. Peter

    I do find all the computer game comments very amusing, although I do agree a 18 level game is probably just stretching the mark, but having an effect in the long term mental status – total rubbish.

    The problem is that this world is completely PC, games are marked up (age wise) so that they (the companies) are covered, and in most cases your average cartoon is more violent

    For example my two children watch Tom Jerry, but do they run round the house with a baseball bat copying them, or itchy and scratchy chasing each other with chain saws? No – and don’t tell me its because they are cartoons.

    Just think yourself lucky it wasn’t your house – hope they find the idiot(s) and print their picture in the press

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  42. kelly

    i am sick of hearing all u lot giving my cousin mother crap for a game yes he shouldnt have a game like that but she does sit with him an thats is not the problem there are worse things happing on this island with all u lot sayin about a game its up to her wat she lets her boy do not u lot think before u say things as family do read this

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  43. yhan

    tht is my nephew no game is gonna change the way he is think of the poor little boy no christmas presents ur all just bein pathetic grow up u sad sad ppl if u got a problem come see me tht my nephew like i sed an he only plays the game its not like he wud copy wot they do on it!!!!!!

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  44. Concerned Parent

    Peter,

    You clearly have no idea. There is an age range where a child is influenced by things around it and at 7 years old and playing a console (or two) to the point that it is described as ‘its life’ is where an effect will be made.

    Telling me that a 7-year old who plays a game that thinks nothing of stabbing someone in the throat (with the gore that comes with it) will not effect its perception of violence than if it had seen the same many years later (say aged 14) is illogical.

    This child will become desensitized to violence to a certain degree. Even the most simple of minds can work that one out.

    And I’m guessing that 90% of the people above who think that we’re overreacting have clearly not played the game in question because if they had they would not being thinking ‘nothing of it’. This isn’t your good old stick men hitting a tennis ball at each other this is just like a violent film that the player controls.

    Oh and I think that the ‘Sexual content’ probably isn’t a good ingredient for a 7-year old either.

    Next you’ll be telling us Peter that you reach for the ‘under-your-bed-magazine-collection’ to read your kids a bedtime story…

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  45. Zippy

    Without getting into the debate a note for all gamers is to take a note of the unique serial number from your console and keep it in a safe place. A friend of mine did this and unfortunatley there home was broken into. Due to the police locating the console they were able to recover the other less easily identifiable items and prosecute the thieves.

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  46. GGG

    Kelly & Yhan

    What ever you say a 7 year old child has been allowed to play an 18 rated game. A cinema would not allow him into an 18 rated film. It is poor parenting.

    I abhor the despicable people who robbed your cousin and would be happy to provide some financial support to buy new Christmas presents BUT i have seen Assassins Creed II and it is totally unsuitable for a 7 year old child and I would not be replacing that game.

    I think you can be assured that all islanders are saddened and appalled that a young single mother and her child have been burgled in such a callous way.

    It was the Guernsey Press who made the point of printing the name of the game that had been stolen. No responsible parent would buy such a game or allow a 7 year old to play the game. The rating of games is done for a reason surely you can understand that? It does not matter if the mother sits with the child. She cannot monitor his use of the game 100% of the time.

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  47. VQ

    I don’t think anybody is dismissing how upsetting it must be for somebody to be burgled and to have their possessions stolen – it must be awful for the family to have had their home violated like this.

    But it’s also wrong to be allowing a child to spend all of his time, in fact his life, sat in front of a screen playing mindless, violent, sexual games – he’s 7 years old for goodness sake, let him be child. At that age he should be out playing with other children on bikes and climbing trees etc.

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  48. billythefish

    Yhan

    I totally echo everything GGG has said above. But to be honest, a lot of what some people are saying is encapsulated by your “come and see me” comment, I presume tantamount to being invited outside in a pub.

    It’s that kind of response that people fear playing those games engender in the young participants.

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  49. Dean

    @kelly & yhan
    I’m sorry, what? Try using some fill stops!

    Agree totally with billythefish’s comments.

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  50. Peter

    Concerned Parent – I suggest reading is not one or your specialities, I was stating that in a lot of cases games are over rated and that average TV is more violent then computer games.

    I also noted that an 18 game (whatever the content) was probably a bridge too far for a 7 year old

    As for reading ‘under-your-bed-magazine-collection’, which I assume relates to porn, to my children (even if a joke) is an insulting and rather pathetic statement, one a computer game wouldn’t even lower itself to make.

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  51. Humbug

    kelly and yhan,

    Now that Braden no longer has his video games perhaps he will have more time for reading some library books. This may help him to learn how to string a sentence together, when to use capital letters and how to use punctuation.

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  52. jayne

    i am the mother of braden, for 1, the doors are never unlocked so stop listening to rumours, 2, i am not a bad parent, 3,to say about mags under the bed then u are just sick in the head and finally keep your nose out u sad nasty people who have nothing better to do then try and find wrong in the victims of such a nasty mean crime, and thax very much to all those who have been supportive, it is very much appreciated to resd positive comments along side all the bad, thanx again to all u good people.

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  53. jayne

    whoever humbug is do not ever speak abot my son like that he is probably more intelligent then u will ever be!

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  54. barbara

    this is my daughter and grandson u r all talking about she is not a bad mother and he is a sensible boy it is not just him that has games like that there r others .im not saying that the age was ok 4 him but at the end of the day it has got nothing 2 do with anyone else so y don’t people grow up and get a life of there own .at the end of the day the article was about a 7 year old being burgled and had his christams prsents stolen and that the burgler should b caught and locked up 4 what he did 2 a child.for peoples opions read the press properly cause thedoors were locked and they forced there in through the window. they were christmas night but spent boxing day at his pops house with the rest of thefamily .thats what people do at christmas .kids of 2dayturn out how they want regardless of how they r brought up these days.so y don’t people concentrate that the article was aout a 7 year old upset and devasted that his christmas presents and other stuff of his had been taken.not about the stupid computer game.

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  55. Ed

    Jayne, is the Guernsey Press story factually incorrect and have you been mis-quoted or have other comments you made been edited out?

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  56. Nat

    I think the standard of spelling in some of the posts on this thread tells a story……..

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  57. Truth Man

    When I first read this story, I did feel very sorry for the family in question, although I shared the concerns of some re the present choices made by the family.

    Needless to say that the posts made by Kelly, Yhan, Jayne and Barbara confirmed all of my worst fears. Without wanting to be offensive, to say you four have lived up to the stereotype is an understatement. Can I suggest you get rid of your poor little boys video games and replace them with some books, before his spelling and grammar becomes as bad as yours. Please, do it for his future.

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  58. bcb

    Well said Jayne.
    Some of the comments on here are just disgusting and the lack of concern shown to the family just goes to show these people have very little sense or morals.
    And concerned parent, your comment toward Peter is the worst, I wonder what games you played when you were younger? or have you been watching too much big brother.

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  59. MrsPinthepantry

    How come kelly, yhan, jayne and barbara all write in exactly the same way?????

    Strange.

    Although I do love the Grandmother/Textspeak juxtaposition!

    Yo! Mashup ya words and ting ther Grandma. It’s about respec.

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  60. Roy

    This is my grandson u r all talking about and while I have to agree that a 7 year old should not be playing these games you would have to meet the boy and speak to him and talk with him to know what effect this game might or might not have on him because he is quite intelligent for his age and he kmows right from wrong. Also those making comments about the amount of money spent on games and toys want to find out there facts before making comments as whilst my daughter would give Braden her last penny because she is that kind of person people need to know that Bradens parents are no longer in a relationship so he tends to get presents from both parents his nan and poppy have both remarried so he gets presents from both of them instead of 1 between them he has 5 aunties and one uncle in Guernsey he has a nan living in England he has aunties and uncles in England so all this rubbish being written about money and the price of the gifts he receives does not take away the fact that once again over here in Guernsey the low down druggies can violate another persons home and property and all some of you are concerned about is the harm that can be done by a game can any of you say that you did not watch dvd’s or play games that you should’nt have and did it do you any harm. Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.

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  61. paule gallie

    As i now live away from the island, I sometimes like to see what everyone is talking about back home in Guernsey. This burglary has thrown up all sorts of nasty exchanges from people who neither know the individuals nor the family circumstances.I am sorry for the family concerned and although agreeing with the fact that the young boy should not have had access to such a game, It is plain to me that the burglary is the point of issue and let us not forget that. I have been fortunate enough to have never been burgled thus far, and i’m sure the distress of such an occurance is enough for the mother to cope with. I wish mother and son all the very best for the new year.

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  62. George

    I do not wish to be drawn into a long and pointless argument with anyone. The theft of anything let alone xmas presents is a despicable act. However, Jayne you have let yourself and your son down badly by purchasing games such as the one that you mentioned in the press article. To say that children are not affected by playing such mindless violence, not to mention the language and sexual content in the game is just ridiculous. Theft as you have experienced is present in these games and it could be said that it does indeed de-sensitive children’s acceptance of what is right and wrong. If you do indeed watch your child whilst they are playing such games you should have realised that. Hopefully by now some kind samaritan will have assisted you.

    G 2

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  63. The Man

    Barbara

    I happen to agree with what you say about this article being about burglery rather your daughters parenting credentials, but your comment

    “kids of 2dayturn out how they want regardless of how they r brought up these days”

    This is one of the most ill informed and worst comments I have ever read on this site.

    In your experience this may be the case, and if it is, then you have just proved everyones point for them.

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  64. John

    @ Barbara

    I was appalled when I read the Guernsey Press article and what happened to your daughter and grandson. I was spurred into enquiring if a donation could be made to help purchase a new XBox for him. I think you will find the whole island has sympathy for your family.

    However you cannot abrogate responsibility for his upbringing away from the parent and just say that ” kids of today turn out how they want regardless of how they are brought up”. Positive role models are essential when raising a child and they are heavily influenced by the actions and attitudes of their nearest and dearest.

    Films and computer games are rated for a reason. Children of 7 should not be subjected to the type of sexual and violent content included in Assassins Creed II. Have you actually seen the content of this game? It is unsuitable for any child and I find it quite disturbing that anyone of any age should enjoy playing this type of game.

    Also why is an XBox “his life” ? My children have an XBox but are only allowed to play on it at weekends and after they have finished any school work. I certainly would never condone exposing them to a game rated 18.

    I hope the burglars are apprehended and I would be more than happy to contribute towards a new XBox for your grandson

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  65. The Man

    Mrs P

    Sorry I feel the need to correct your awful spelling

    Its actually spelt “respeck”

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  66. Dean

    “Well said Jayne” – are you being sarcastic? Kind of harsh on jayne if you are.
    @Roy
    Why did you see fit not to send any of your family to school or allow them capital letters in their names? Serious question.

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  67. coco

    I think you are all missing the point here.. A LITTLE BOY GOT BURGLED. you should all put your wasted energy in to slating the burgler.

    Good old guernsey will keep kicking when someone is down!!!

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  68. Paul Le Page

    John’s comment is by far the best one on this page. It is well reasoned whilst remaining non-judgemental and compassionate. I totally agree with him.

    This is a sorry tale whatever angle you look at it. Although ultimately children will choose their own path, the influences of their “nearest and dearest” are vitally important in the formative years of life. I fear for the future of children whose parents/grandparents have given up setting them reasonable boundaries by the age of 7 because they’ve been deceived into thinking their influence doesn’t matter. Common sense and observation (not to mention pretty much every respected piece of research in the book) clearly says the complete opposite.

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  69. Paul Le Page

    PS Like John I would be happy to contribute to a new XBox…as I said before the crime of burglary remains inexcusable. It is the violation of someone’s privacy and security. It would be good to give Braden some indication that the island community is on his side and supports him.

    GP – is there a way this can be arranged through your Newspaper?

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  70. Jayne

    I totally agree some people just dont know when to stop, its all getting quite boring now as everyone is just repeating each other!

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  71. Given the new development in this story, please visit the following page – http://www.thisisguernsey.com/2010/01/07/its-christmas-all-over-again-for-braden-%E2%80%93-thanks-to-hmv/

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