Hi,Dotsie: Unfortunately, at that time, European policing works with caution. Sometimes, in cases of inchoate offences, they would assess the offender right there and then along with all the surrounding circumstances. It often was a personal judgment call of the police more than the victim. In our case, the gypsy feigned madness and so, was let off.

Much like Chatty, I can only recall how strict I have been with my children's supervision after that event. Now that my daughter has her own children to look after, she understands the restrictions I imposed on them when they were little. My older grandchildren like their independence and would not hold hands when we go out. The 6-year old thinks it's childish and the 2-year old is in her typical 2-year old angsty phase and would not wear her harness. So, when they refuse to be held, they get packed into the car and the day is called off. Then, they listen next time. I get very stressed when my grandson goes on school journeys and I make the 350-mile trip to where they live so I can volunteer as escort for his class each time.

Children abduction is still very rife and children get plucked even from their own backgardens. As a result and because of our experience, we have CCTV in our homes and the children are never left alone. When we go to the beach or to crowded events, we make them wear their whistles around their neck and have taught them to remember emergency phone numbers and most importantly, never to talk to strangers unless we are with them. Sadly, this is what it has boiled down to.

And, it is to my dismay that up until now, the UK does not have the practice of putting photos of missing children on milk cartons as we have in the States.