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Stranded couple hit out at critics

11:49am Friday 9th May 2008

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A WALCOT man who fled the Philippines in a dramatic bid to stop his baby daughter being taken from him, has spoken out to answer his critics.

A recent Advertiser story about David Scott, who faces a seven-year jail sentence for adultery after fathering a child with his Filipino girlfriend, caused much debate on the paper's letter pages and website.

Many readers have been critical of David's actions, saying he should have respected the laws of the country he was living in.

Now David has spoken out from Bangkok, where he fled with his girlfriend Cynthia and baby daughter Janina, to set the record straight.

He said: "I would like to say that when I began my relationship with Cynthia her relationship with her husband had long since broken up.

"And, while adultery is illegal in the Philippines, actions are very rarely taken, and almost never against the men in these marriages.

"The husband had actually asked for an annulment himself as he was in another relationship.

"Sadly the husband in the case decided it was an opportunity to make money because, I believe, he thought I was a rich foreigner, and so he submitted a claim firstly for £7,000, and now £30,000.

"I believe payments were made to officials to have us arrested.

"Because we have a baby daughter born and being brought up in a loving relationship it would be difficult to defend ourselves, and we both faced jail, with the horrific thought that our daughter would be handed over to Cynthia's estranged husband under the country's law.

"I am sure if I was a Filipino this would never had made the courts."

The couple sought help at the British Embassy in Manila, as well as from human rights officials, who advised them to leave.

He said: "In doing so, very large amounts of cash were demanded - illegally - for the proper and legal documentation.

"We were not fleeing justice. We want justice for our baby. We were fleeing corruption."

David said it was not the case that he was being prevented from returning to his home by the UK Government.

He said: "I am British. I believe in the British sense of fair play.

"Cynthia and I have not criticised the British Foreign Office, but my mum has jumped the gun a little in saying we are being prevented from going back to the UK.

"My mum is at her wits' end and cries when she sees Janina on web cam and wants to hold her as soon as possible.

"We are in Bangkok where we are putting together all the paperwork to satisfy the authorities.

"This includes DNA testing of myself and my new family. It has been a nightmare, but I cannot desert the woman I love and the daughter I love.

"We hope the British Government has a heart and looks on our case sympathetically.

"I would especially like to thank my relatives and friends in Swindon, and the support of the local newspaper and MPs."


Your Say YourSwindon Advertiser

LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
11:57am Fri 9 May 08

Soo....because you thought you'd get away with it, you decided to do it.

Just because people aren't normally punished, doesn't make it okay for you as a visitor to do it.

You'd've saved yourself all this trouble if you'd kept it in your trousers.

malkym, says...
12:13pm Fri 9 May 08

I would especially like to thank my relatives and friends in Swindon, and the support of the local newspaper and MPs."
The dynamic duo feature once again!! Should have kept it in your trousers son! - still never mind - we'll pay to repatriate you all - you marry her - she gets - British passport and citizenship - oh says SBC -you have a baby - have a council house on us then - there you go easy - job done! Oh - benefits cheque - lets see - what we can do dole, tax credits, family allowance, council tax rebate,etc! So as David Essex sang - "with your love light shinin', every clouds got a, silver lining" -

emmylou83, Stratton says...
12:21pm Fri 9 May 08

I wish him and his family all the luck in the world. No one deserves this esp as it seems to a case of a money hungry almost ex husband

Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
12:29pm Fri 9 May 08

LordB see you and emmy haven't kissed and made up. Bit of an aggressive post for you old chap, it will be just orange juice next time.

malkym, says...
12:31pm Fri 9 May 08

emmylou83 wrote:
I wish him and his family all the luck in the world. No one deserves this esp as it seems to a case of a money hungry almost ex husband
Even though you'll be paying for them?

emmylou83, Stratton says...
12:47pm Fri 9 May 08

Robert Feal-Martinez wrote:
LordB see you and emmy haven't kissed and made up. Bit of an aggressive post for you old chap, it will be just orange juice next time.
Me and lordb are fab as far as I know we're going out tomorrow he's forcing me to watch doomsday - he's paying I don't mind haha

LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
12:47pm Fri 9 May 08

Robert Feal-Martinez wrote:
LordB see you and emmy haven't kissed and made up. Bit of an aggressive post for you old chap, it will be just orange juice next time.
Cheeky!

I'm maintaining my stance - at the end of the day, he broke their laws, and he thought he'd get away with it - considering that all he had to do was wait, seeing as there were annulment proceedings underway, the fact that he didn't and is now having to pay the price shouldn't garner support from MP's - greedy ex-husband or no. Indeed, had he waited, he wouldn't be being hounded after for £30,000 damages either. It's a mess of his own making.

emmylou83, Stratton says...
12:49pm Fri 9 May 08

malkym wrote:
emmylou83 wrote: I wish him and his family all the luck in the world. No one deserves this esp as it seems to a case of a money hungry almost ex husband
Even though you'll be paying for them?
Yeah because I don't agree with the law its stupid

Terence, Swindon says...
1:20pm Fri 9 May 08

This sounds like a sob story concocted for public sympathy.

malkym, says...
1:26pm Fri 9 May 08

So Emmy Lou - because of "stupid" Phillipine law,to you maybe but not them - " When in Rome etc" which DS knew about and should have abided by, you as a taxpayer are prepared to subsidise the return and repatriation of this individual and his "new Family" Well if that's the case would you mind paying my share too? There are many laws in the UK which I think " are an ****" but i don't necessarily want to pay out any money because that is the case- if anyone is going to bail him out it should be his family and not Joe Public!

Al Smith, Swindon, UK says...
2:07pm Fri 9 May 08

The plight of Mr Loverman again. Sorry but the law is the law, next time wear a condom, or find a woman who isn't still married or take up onanism.

Taxpower, Swinetown says...
2:08pm Fri 9 May 08

No Ifs, No Buts: thats the Law in the country and he and his mistress should be accountable for their actions.

emmylou83, Stratton says...
2:10pm Fri 9 May 08

I didnt say you had to agree with my view did I?

angry monkey, Swindon says...
2:17pm Fri 9 May 08

emmylou83 wrote:
malkym wrote:
emmylou83 wrote: I wish him and his family all the luck in the world. No one deserves this esp as it seems to a case of a money hungry almost ex husband
Even though you'll be paying for them?
Yeah because I don't agree with the law its stupid
I agree. You cant trust people in these tinpot countries with their silly laws

john c, swindon says...
2:55pm Fri 9 May 08

malkym wrote,
Should have kept it in your trousers son! - still never mind - we'll pay to repatriate you all - you marry her - she gets - British passport and citizenship - oh says SBC -you have a baby - have a council house on us then - there you go easy - job done! Oh - benefits cheque - lets see - what we can do dole, tax credits, family allowance, council tax rebate,etc! So as David Essex sang - "with your love light shinin', every clouds got a, silver lining"
-

Great post, I could not agree with you more.

Flamer, Swindon says...
3:04pm Fri 9 May 08

I dont beleive all you heartless people! If it was happening to one of you you'd all be hoping the Embassy were helping your sorry ****! Just look at what the 'law' is doing to the poor people of Burmah, stopping them live is what it's doing! Yes he should have watched himself and maybe been a bit more careful until she was legally separated but these things happen. It was obvious from the outset what the ex-husband had planned, and if he's the one that filed for an annullment for committing adultery himself, i dont see how he has any power to do this to a man of our town!And Malkym you are the worst, why shouldnt the council provide a home for a couple who obviously want to get on with their lives, rather than the chavs they insist on housing who have baby after baby to get more benefits, then spend their lives dumping them on their mums so they can go out and get wasted! You should be ashamed of yourselves, the whole lot of you!

Taxpower, Swinetown says...
3:10pm Fri 9 May 08

Flamer wrote:
I dont beleive all you heartless people! If it was happening to one of you you'd all be hoping the Embassy were helping your sorry ****! Just look at what the 'law' is doing to the poor people of Burmah, stopping them live is what it's doing! Yes he should have watched himself and maybe been a bit more careful until she was legally separated but these things happen. It was obvious from the outset what the ex-husband had planned, and if he's the one that filed for an annullment for committing adultery himself, i dont see how he has any power to do this to a man of our town!And Malkym you are the worst, why shouldnt the council provide a home for a couple who obviously want to get on with their lives, rather than the chavs they insist on housing who have baby after baby to get more benefits, then spend their lives dumping them on their mums so they can go out and get wasted! You should be ashamed of yourselves, the whole lot of you!
Thats rights lets UK citizens debauchery get away with it abroad because it is obviously working in the UK as you have magnificently illustrated. As for Burmah and the Burmese, well they managed for 40 odd years am sure they will manage without us for few more years.
If you want the UK to be a world Aider then let the world come in too!

Mumstheword, Walcot says...
4:31pm Fri 9 May 08

Flamer wrote:
I dont beleive all you heartless people! If it was happening to one of you you'd all be hoping the Embassy were helping your sorry ****! Just look at what the 'law' is doing to the poor people of Burmah, stopping them live is what it's doing! Yes he should have watched himself and maybe been a bit more careful until she was legally separated but these things happen. It was obvious from the outset what the ex-husband had planned, and if he's the one that filed for an annullment for committing adultery himself, i dont see how he has any power to do this to a man of our town!And Malkym you are the worst, why shouldnt the council provide a home for a couple who obviously want to get on with their lives, rather than the chavs they insist on housing who have baby after baby to get more benefits, then spend their lives dumping them on their mums so they can go out and get wasted! You should be ashamed of yourselves, the whole lot of you!
FAB POST!

LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
4:44pm Fri 9 May 08

quote
I dont beleive all you heartless people! If it was happening to one of you you'd all be hoping the Embassy were helping your sorry ****!


Really? Bit presumptuous of you - if I had broken the law, I wouldn't expect any help from the embassy above a defense solicitor.

Just look at what the 'law' is doing to the poor people of Burmah, stopping them live is what it's doing!


That's Burma. We've no right to tell the junta how to run their country. I suppose you support the Iraq war on those same principles? Just because a country isn't run how you want it to be, doesn't mean that this government should assist it's own nationals in breaking the laws there.

Yes he should have watched himself and maybe been a bit more careful until she was legally separated but these things happen.


That's right, they do - and it's now his responsibility to stand up and take responsibility for his actions. He ran the risk and got caught.

It was obvious from the outset what the ex-husband had planned, and if he's the one that filed for an annullment for committing adultery himself, i dont see how he has any power to do this to a man of our town!


I don't think the husband knew a brit would be having his way with his wife - yes, the woman was still his wife until the annulment was complete. He has every power to take it to court - the law says he can.

You should be ashamed of yourselves, the whole lot of you!


I'll not be ashamed for recognising another nations sovereignty - you want to go and change the law over there, be my guest - but you don't use my taxes to break them.

If that man was really in love with her, he'd've kept it in his trousers and not effectively ruined her life by having her on the run from the authorities - and she's just as bad. She knew the law better than he, but she encouraged him to take the chance - they need to pay the price and be done with it.

Flamer, Swindon says...
4:45pm Fri 9 May 08

Thanks Mumstheword, that means a lot. I'm glad i'm not the only sane one in Swindon. I think its terrible what this couple is going through, i really hope that they get through this.

Flamer, Swindon says...
4:54pm Fri 9 May 08

LordB, you cant seriously expect me to believe that if you were in the same situation, totally in love and with a newborn child, that you would not expect any help what so ever and take full responsibility for your actions? Thats total BS. And i rather see my taxes going to help these folk than pay for some scav that cant keep her legs closed to still have babies and provide for her children through the social til their 18! Het a grip mate, you wouldnt be saying what you're saying now if it was you that faced 7 years in jail! Idiot!!

Grumpy, Swindon says...
6:02pm Fri 9 May 08

Flamer wrote:
LordB, you cant seriously expect me to believe that if you were in the same situation, totally in love and with a newborn child, that you would not expect any help what so ever and take full responsibility for your actions? Thats total BS. And i rather see my taxes going to help these folk than pay for some scav that cant keep her legs closed to still have babies and provide for her children through the social til their 18! Het a grip mate, you wouldnt be saying what you're saying now if it was you that faced 7 years in jail! Idiot!!
Well, I agree with LordB as well and I suspect most people who post here regularly agree with him.
Do-gooders such as yourself are the idiots for being taken in by some of these worthless people who just bring it on themselves. They deserve everything they get and they'll never get sympathy from me. We certainly don't need any Philippino tarts in this country, we get enough from Eastern Europe.

vigil, swindon says...
7:39pm Fri 9 May 08

malkym wrote:
I would especially like to thank my relatives and friends in Swindon, and the support of the local newspaper and MPs." The dynamic duo feature once again!! Should have kept it in your trousers son! - still never mind - we'll pay to repatriate you all - you marry her - she gets - British passport and citizenship - oh says SBC -you have a baby - have a council house on us then - there you go easy - job done! Oh - benefits cheque - lets see - what we can do dole, tax credits, family allowance, council tax rebate,etc! So as David Essex sang - "with your love light shinin', every clouds got a, silver lining" -
have a council house on us then - there you go easy - job done! Oh - benefits cheque - lets see - what we can do dole, tax credits, family allowance, council tax rebate,etc!

This is a one off so let it be.
The Polish (+Eastern EU) are doing in the ten's of thousands, so c'est la vie.

Terence, Swindon says...
7:57pm Fri 9 May 08

Flamer - come on, you can't seriously be comparing a Philippino marital law with the martial state of Burma, that would be absurd.

I think Lord Belacqua is trying to tell you that he would not have gotten himself into that situation in the first place so the question of what he'd do afterwards is academic.

PS None of you are idiots, you're just people who disagree with one another.

Mumstheword, Walcot says...
8:39pm Fri 9 May 08

PS None of you are idiots, you're just people who disagree with one another.

Thank you Terence the world would be a dull place if we all had the same thoughts and opinions. It is just a shame that not everybody thinks the way you do because then we would not have wars x

jack the rippler, east 17 says...
11:15pm Fri 9 May 08

Not being mad at this couple. But when you break a law in another country, you are tried by their laws. Its a shame our country dosen't adopt this attitude. We would have far less problems with immigrants coming here and taking the mick out of our laws by pleading ignorance. It seems to be the law of the land these days.
Or the therory which may ponder on a few minds:
She is a native of the Philippines and should know her own countries rules on this subject.
Her former husband does.
Cheque clears.
"I don't like you no more, I go back home, you keep baby".

Got to make a film about this. They could call it "Another English Sucker" (not that type of sucker, you dirty gets).

Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
9:14am Sat 10 May 08

Mumstheword, well said, why is it some on these threads cannot post without insult. There really is no need for it. Express your view by all means, but insult others. My view as stated, is they broke the laws in another country, our Government should not repatriate them until the legal process has been fulfilled, in the Philippines.

Mick out West, West Swindon says...
10:50am Sat 10 May 08

Robert Feal-Martinez wrote:
Mumstheword, well said, why is it some on these threads cannot post without insult. There really is no need for it. Express your view by all means, but insult others. My view as stated, is they broke the laws in another country, our Government should not repatriate them until the legal process has been fulfilled, in the Philippines.
I don't always agree with you Robert, but you are spot on in this case.

steve-o, Swindon says...
12:37pm Sat 10 May 08

As most people have said, 'when in rome'. Dont abuse countrys rules, or play with others wpartners. Slap!!!

Captain Sensible, Near Swindon says...
7:30pm Sat 10 May 08

I think the blokes been a bit of a pillock and he needs to stop whingeing and get on with sorting out his own problems himself. So there!

malkym, says...
5:02pm Wed 14 May 08

And Malkym you are the worst, why shouldnt the council provide a home for a couple who obviously want to get on with their lives, rather than the chavs they insist on housing who have baby after baby to get more benefits, Pray do tell Flamer & MTW why I should contribute through my council tax to the cost of a council house for these three who were/still are clearly playing the system and as well as a house will expect more benefits such as I originally mentioned. As regards the local chavs they are only playing the system because they know they can milk it - which is why DS along with others is trying his luck and who is to say that him and his Phillipine lady won't have half a dozen kids and expect the staet to keep them as well. I am sorry if you both find that harsh but that is reality ladies and I suppose you two were also bleating that Arnel Cabrera, the guy whose wife unfortunately died in GWH , should be allowed to stay too when he was only eligible to do so while his wife was working at the hospital. WE(the UK)cannot keep bailing out all the waifs and strays of the world who are down on their uppers and as tragic as the situation is in Burma - there is no (h) -that was the oil co. at Pipers Way, we cannot keep doling out aid "ad infinium" when there are enough people in this country living below the poverty line. So ladies take off the rose tinted spectacles and get real because its not all about falling in love and living happily ever after like it is in the films!

Comments are closed on this article.

David Scott with Cynthia and baby Janina who are in trouble with the authorities in the Philippines David Scott with Cynthia and baby Janina who are in trouble with the authorities in the Philippines

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