Britain’s Youngest Dad isn’t really the Dad

In February, 13-year old Alfie Patten made headlines as Britain’s youngest father, having conceived a child with his friend Chantelle Steadman, 15, when he was only 12. Problem is, he’s not the dad.

It wasn’t long after the story flooded the internet and tabloid papers that other boys came forward, suggested that they, too, could be the baby’s father because they had a sexual relationship with the girl at the same time she became pregnant. A publicist, Max Clifford, who represents Alfie and his family, said at the time, “It is inevitable there are going to be doubts, particularly with the number of boys who’ve come forward claiming to have had sex with Chantelle. There is one boy in particular who does seem to have a stronger resemblance to the child.”

That could have been Richard Goodsell, 16. The teen said he had a sexual relationship with Chantelle for three months. “I know I could be the father. Everyone thinks I am. My friends all tell me that baby has my eyes– even my mum thinks so.” Tyler Barker, 14, who lives down the street was not so cavalier. In fact, he was terrified. “I slept with Chantelle in her bed about nine months ago and I’m really worried I could be the father, he said.

Clearly, a paternity test was in order. A DNA test first confirmed that Patten was not the daddy. Subsequent tests revealed that the “winner” was Tyler Barker.

Considering all of the negative media stories about teen pregnancy, sexuality and innocence lost, you’d think that the boy and his own parents would be relieved. Leading politicians got on their soapboxes about the moral condition of modern society. But no. “Alfie is distraught and upset about everything.” Apparently, he and his mother both thought the other boys were lying. Chantelle did say at the time that Alfie was the only boy she had ever slept with. Alfie had no suspicion that she had not been faithful to him.

When Maisie Roxanne was born on February 9, 2009, Alfie said he didn’t know how he’d support the baby, but insisted he’d be a good dad. Since then, observers say he clearly adores the baby and is distressed that he is not her father.

At the time, I thought this story was sad. I guess I still do. The world descended on Alfie Patten who responded as maturely as a 13-year old can be expected to. He steps up, admits responsibility and prepares to do what he can to love and care for a little one. And now that it’s over, where does that leave him? And what about Tyler Barker. If he doesn’t want to be a dad, can they all just let Alfie fill the shoes? Considering Chantelle didn’t even own up to sleeping with these other boys, it seem like she must want Alfie to be the dad, too.

I hope there is a happy ending here. But I can’t see it yet.