5 Year old missing in Wales.

[gordo30]

I have heard stories that he is a convicted child molester and various other things on other forums and to be honest I doubt very much that he could get a fair trial in this country already even if he is guilty. Thats the problem with using the media in this way but I suppose the police had to weigh up the pro and cons regarding finding April alive and the subsquent trial that would have come afterwards.

I  have a feeling now that this man could have been connected to other similar crimes within the country as a whole and was under some form of investigation prior to this happeneing and once it did they moved very quickly hoping that they were right.

I just can't get her face out of my head as a father of two who you try hard to protect with everything you have to see just what is happening here and try to retract yourself from the self preservation you have regarding the possiblities that it could happen to yourself and the reality of what has to be done as in the law. I still see this man as innocent until he has at least been charged but part of me wants to rip his head off and part of me can see just how this case may turn out for the worst in all aspects.

I pray that in 5 years from now we are not discussing this case in the same manner as other case's on here and on other forums but I can't believe that the problems of the past seem to be raising their heads again here.

[Patti]

I worry so much as to how these kids have been asked to give information.  Yes its important they provide information but its been reported that the children had told police the vehicle involved looked like a grey or light coloured van and that April has appeared to get inside "willingly".  This has now changed to a blue range rover, which is the vehicle the suspect owned.  Other article report that one of the children describes a car similar to Brigers but grey or light coloured van is not similar at all to a dark blue range rover.  I would have thought that children at that age would have known their colours.  All the press reports have been totally confusing, and the police statements make no sense either. I was hopping mad when I read the name of a child witness in the newspaper.

Something, which the police are not revealing, has kept them focussed on this man and no one else, I sincerely hope they know what they are doing, and this doesnt end up with a murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence, an alleged murder with no body, and a family and a community left without knowing what happened to this little girl.

If the suspect was co-operative, it's at time likes this that a polygraph could be useful, IMO, as time is everything.

They now refer to April, as a body, but I refuse to give up hope that they will find her alive, but I admit that it doesnt look very likely as time passes.   If there is a god, please let her be found, if Bridger is guilty, I hope he does the right thing and tells all NOW, if Bridger is innocent, his life has changed forever. 

This is every parents nightmare.  How the family are coping is beyond me. I hope they are being well looked after.

This is a brilliant post. I agree with everything you have said.

But, I don't think the police have revealed all the information they have to the general public. One would think that they know what they are doing.

I have never witnessed such determination and, the closeness of a community ready to  pull together to help find a little girl....I can't imagine the pain the family and friends are going through, right now. I know the will feel numbness, emptiness and, be hurting so badly....and, wonder why all of this has happened to them.....I hope, in my heart of hearts that she will be found alive, but we all have to come to terms with the fact that this might not be possible......

I want to swear, I want to get angry, but for now I will be mindful! Until the truth come out....

[nugnug]

he cant possibly be a convicted child molester or he wouldent be allowed at a parents evening.

ihes alowed to see his kids and obviously to attend parents evening meaning he cant have anything like that on his record.

[Patti]

I have heard stories that he is a convicted child molester and various other things on other forums and to be honest I doubt very much that he could get a fair trial in this country already even if he is guilty. Thats the problem with using the media in this way but I suppose the police had to weigh up the pro and cons regarding finding April alive and the subsquent trial that would have come afterwards.

I  have a feeling now that this man could have been connected to other similar crimes within the country as a whole and was under some form of investigation prior to this happeneing and once it did they moved very quickly hoping that they were right.

I just can't get her face out of my head as a father of two who you try hard to protect with everything you have to see just what is happening here and try to retract yourself from the self preservation you have regarding the possiblities that it could happen to yourself and the reality of what has to be done as in the law. I still see this man as innocent until he has at least been charged but part of me wants to rip his head off and part of me can see just how this case may turn out for the worst in all aspects.

I pray that in 5 years from now we are not discussing this case in the same manner as other case's on here and on other forums but I can't believe that the problems of the past seem to be raising their heads again here.

Brilliantly said Gordo. This guy has already had a trial by media.  I have yet to see that he has had any connection to child abused, confirmed. But, like you I want to smack him and, and make him tell. 

I dare bet some kind soul, is making sure, he is given the red carpet treatment in custody....Thus, being the case, he will never divulge anything.  We will have to wait till 5pm today and see what happens...Hopefully, the police have evidence, otherwise he walks as a free man....But should he walk? The police have not charged him, therefore they have no concrete evidence....

[Patti]

he cant possibly be a convicted child molester or he wouldent be allowed at a parents evening.

ihes alowed to see his kids and obviously to attend parents evening meaning he cant have anything like that on his record.

His 16 year old son has only seen him a couple of times....I'm not sure if he had history? Would he be allowed to see his children? One would hope not, if he had a conviction. He would also be on the so called register....

[nugnug]

he would not be allowed to see his children he  and  c ertanly wouldn't be welcomed into a primary school for a parents evening.

[Patti]

he would not be allowed to see his children he  and  c ertanly wouldn't be welcomed into a primary school for a parents evening.

You might be right nugnug, for he would have to declare his whereabouts etc!

[OnceSaid]

he cant possibly be a convicted child molester or he wouldent be allowed at a parents evening.

ihes alowed to see his kids and obviously to attend parents evening meaning he cant have anything like that on his record.

I havent read the forum where it says he is a child molester, but I would have thought that if the press had got a sniff of that that they would have reported on it right away, but they havent, choosing to stick with the ladies man scenario.  His parents and siblings have been named, as has his ex partners and I reckon a reporter would have no qualms asking them to confirm this.  He also worked as a life guard and I doubt they would be employing sex offenders as it is also a public place aimed at families.  The press and the police are sending out mixed messages which leaves it very difficult to form any kind of an opinion.

The only reason I am reading what's been said by the press is because I am hoping to hear that April is found, otherwise I wouldnt give the papers the time of day.

[Patti]

he might not be able to divulge anything due to fact he doesnt know anything.

He might not, but Martin Brunt did say that he had been told that he is talking to them. The police must have suspicions, that they are not revealing to the public.

I am a believer in innocent before being found guilty in a court of law......

I also agree with what OnceSaid is saying, if this man was a molester or had anything connected to abuse...the press would be asking them questions....But, have they been told not to talk to the press?
Conflicting news.....causing speculation, but my thoughts are with the family at this time....Let the police do their work.....eh! 

[gordo30]

he might not be able to divulge anything due to fact he doesnt know anything.

Thats the way im reading into it just now, Its not that I don't want this man to be the murderer, I don't want any man to be.

Im off to bed now but plz let there be good news tomorrow. My heart goes out to that poor family having to spending another night not knowing one way or the other and to the community for their strength.

[OnceSaid]

Why did the police refuse to answer if he was known to the family and not want to name him at first when he was arrested.  Were they attempting to play it by the book at first but then Sky news took it upon themselves to name him, and then it was a case of reporters out in their doves to get more info on him?

I think this community had approx 2000 people in it, Bridgers had lived in the area  for years.  In a place like that everybody tends to know everybodys business, why are we not hearing more negative stuff about him in the press?

[OnceSaid]

Thats the way im reading into it just now, Its not that I don't want this man to be the murderer, I don't want any man to be.

Im off to bed now but plz let there be good news tomorrow. My heart goes out to that poor family having to spending another night not knowing one way or the other and to the community for their strength.

That's my feelings too Gordo.  The wait must be agonizing for them.

Goodnight and I hope that tomorrow brings good news too 

[nugnug]

the locals still don't seem to have given up hope.

[nugnug]

Why did the police refuse to answer if he was known to the family and not want to name him at first when he was arrested.  Were they attempting to play it by the book at first but then Sky news took it upon themselves to name him, and then it was a case of reporters out in their doves to get more info on him?

I think this community had approx 2000 people in it, Bridgers had lived in the area  for years.  In a place like that everybody tends to know everybodys business, why are we not hearing more negative stuff about him in the press?

well from what i can see he obviously was known to the family

[Roch]

the locals still don't seem to have given up hope.

The info I have drawn from the coverage that I've seen or read about is that the police are supremely confident they have their man, who was found near the river.  Police also supremely confident they have the relevant vehicle.  The the search of April has been scaled down to 'professionals' in specific areas.  The town is pulling together, as you would expect.  If there is a happy ending to all of this then I'd be surprised, also very happy for April / family / the town.  It's not pleasant to watch, especially coming off the back of that little lass in London recently.