What happened to son Tom? Court & custody again

Hi again.
This is a follow-up to my recent "blog with a picture". Just to say that on Monday (3 days ago) Tom was rearrested, and put in custody, as he had committed the same offence 3 times. He was disorderly outside the local hospital, and on 2 later occasions he hit or pushed a member of hospital staff, so this counted as a common assault. He did not know what he was doing, but that is no excuse. The 3rd time, he was kept in a police cell, and we had to go to the magistrates' court to hear his case yesterday. This was an application for bail, but it was refused on grounds that he might continue to offend and endanger the public. He neded to be in a safe place to come off the drink. There is another hearing on the charges this week.

There was a chance he could have been detained in the mental hospital (where he is known,a nd it is fairly secure), but there was not a 100% guarantee that the hospital would take him in - he had to be seen first. So the court opted for safety - he is in prison for 4 days, until another hearing this Friday. Then we think he may be released - as the offences are not very serious. There is general concern about assault on frontline staff, so it may be borderline. He was warned in June that if sent back to prison, it would be for longer than before. Also this could be referred to the higher Crown Court, as before. We will have to wait and see. I know he will not be happy in prison, but now he is used to it - also he is not there for as serious offence as last year, so he should have less grief from other inmates. He should be able to cope for a few days, and may be out in 3 days from now. Then we will have to deal with him, only just detoxed, and not at all contented with life. He will be ashamed at what he did - and worried about how on Earth he will continue to survive. His recent attempts, with help from AA, have come to nothing - he made a full relapse this time.

With his medical workers, I have been discussing what may be done. He could try another rehab - also it may have to be one that is not 12 step, as many rehabs are not. The two he went to before would not have him back. He would prefer a Christian one, because of his faith. I hope he has not lost this... There is a Christian community in Deal, Kent, which may be possible, that works with damaged people (addicts, mentally ill and rape/abuse victims etc). It's a long way from us, which is why we rejected it before. Maybe the distance must be overcome.
I had better stop now (am busy) - but will add more when I have time.

All the best - Tigey