If you have any self-respect, and if you do not want to feel like a mug when the truth comes out - and it will - do the right thing and reserve judgement.
So many people, particularly older and more vulnerable (trusting), are scammed on a daily basis by unscrupulous thieves who con people into giving them their bank details, or even large amounts of cash. I could set a scam like that up so easily, and I would probably have a good 'success rate'; but I am not that way inclined, brought up differently in another era. The point is, gullibility is exploited at every opportunity.
There are so many theories on the disappearance of this lad that the truth is well and truly buried under blankets of garbage. Comments such as 'it seems plausible', 'it must be true', only express the reader's lack of knowledge and judgement; but it gives those posting such rubbish a feeling of empowerment.
Over the past 60+ years, I have witnessed a sad decline - older people who were brought up to trust others are being abused, while many younger people have had their brains sucked out by Social Media and MPA (Mobile Phone Addiction) - intelligence and analytical abilities are precious commodities, integrity and honesty are priceless.
I will only publish what I know to be true/fact, anything else belongs in the bin.
Jay Slater was convicted in 2023, along with a group of other youths, of attacking Tom Hilton, who was hit with a machete. There was a 'beef' between them but it was never disclosed in court exactly what that was.
www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/abandoned-paper-mill-100-kids-27461303
Jay Slater received an 18 month community order, 25 rehabilitation activity days, 150 hours unpaid work
Tom Hilton also has a criminal record.
www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/23418065.rishton-teen-jailed-stealing-car-taking-police-70mph-chase/
'Hilton eventually pleaded guilty to attempted burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving.
Hilton, who has 14 convictions for 28 offences, was jailed for 14 months, disqualified from driving for 25 months and must sit an extended re-test if he wants his licence back.
The court also heard that on committing these offences on February 12, Hilton was in breach of two community orders which had been imposed on him, one just three days earlier and one in November 2021 which was a two-year order.'
So if/when you read a comment stating that Slater was a bad 'un, there is more to it than a simple accusation. There was a group of up to 100 teenagers who congregated around the disused Paper Mill in Rishton, Lancashire. Alcohol and drugs were consumed at the illegal gatherings.
Set against the historical background, it has been easy for conspiracy theorists to conjure up numerous stories of what has happened in Tenerife, including accusations of Lucy Mae Law being involved with drug gangs there, and Jay Slater being drawn into that murky world in some way.
However, no-one offers credible evidence to support those accusations, but they have still gone viral on 'unsocial media'.
Whatever has happened, we will know when the Police have concluded their enquiries; but even then they might only be able to piece together certain elements.
Too many people want 'instant gratification', and will create their own narrative to fit what few facts are available.
It is a similar situation to that of Nicola Bulley, who lost her life in the River Wyre; that was a disgusting and disrespectful state of affairs.
Social Media is often far from social; more reminiscent of witch hunts and lynch mobs.
Let us all just wait and see.
