I got an update from Phoenix Survivors

[SicilianMother@xxxxxxx]

13/01/04
Dear All. 

We are writing, as promised, to update you Re: Mr Townshend.  

We have recently been requested (sparked off we think by Mr Townshend's 
recent press release regarding his suicidal thoughts) by media from across the 
world, to make a statement regarding Mr Townshend, please find below. I think it 
is important to note that few reported our recent release, I guess it's true, 
only bad news travels quickly. 

 With respect to our petition to have Mr Townshend removed from the UK Sex 
Offenders Register. What we can say about this at present, is that it is 
strongly supported, bworld-wide.b We chose to suspend it, out of sincere concern for 
Mr Townshends emotional well-being, it was clear he needed time, space, peace 
and quite to recover himself. 

Our current position is best expressed in our recent release: 
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Phoenix Media Statement RE: Pete Townshend 30/12/03

Initially, Phoenix Survivors (a web based support group run for and by 
victims of child sexual abuse) loudly condemned Mr Townshend. 

However, moved by an overwhelming response from Mr Townshends fans, calling 
for us to take a bmuch closer lookb at this case, we did, and it became 
absolutely clear that Mr Townshend did indeed do ba very stupid thing b  which we 
do indeed condemn, however, it was also absolutely clear to us that Mr 
Townshend is by no means, any kind of child molester. 

We feel the justice system got it wrong on this occasion and was far too 
heavy handed, we do not believe that his name belongs on the Sex Offenders 
Register, (as it makes a complete mockery of what the SOR is supposed to represent) 
and we wish Mr Blunkett would remove his name from it. 

Mr Townshendbs suicide would have been both a terrible loss and a terrible 
injustice, he is a good and decent man who did a very stupid thing and has MORE 
than paid for it. He has always been very honest about what happened and we 
feel he deserves our trust. We hope he can recover from this and we wish him 
well for the future. 

Shy Keenan
Britain's Children's Champion
Last month Shy Keenan (our spokesperson and founder) was chosen as Britain's 
Children's Champion BBC .
Ends  
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Please feel free to pass it along 

Sincere best wishes 

Phoenixsurvivors.com