Chapter 23 - Ryan’s sentence
Ryan’s sentencing was more complicated.
He was Lily’s father.
No prior record.
He had maintained employment.
He had also:
Installed hidden cameras.
Prepared false legal material.
Allowed food restriction.
Held Lily during unauthorized medication administration.
Knew his mother’s history.
Failed to intervene.
His psychologist described years of maternal control.
The prosecutor answered:
“Understanding why he obeyed does not transform obedience into protection.”
The judge imposed:
Three years imprisonment, with twenty months suspended.
Sixteen months to serve.
Two years probation.
Parenting treatment.
No direct contact with Lily during incarceration.
After release:
Any contact controlled exclusively by family court.
Forgery restitution limited to Heather’s documented legal costs and related expenses.
Then Ryan addressed me.
“Emma, I’m sorry.”
I said nothing.
He looked at Lily’s empty seat in the courtroom.
She was not there.
May you like
Good.
Children should not be used as sentencing audience.
