I recently received a letter from an acquaintance accusing me of waiting and watching her shopping; she put this down to an 'adolescent crush'. I am in my 60s and she nearly 70 and these allegations, for which she provides no evidence or witnesses, are unfounded. I reported the letter to my local police station. Action seemed called for because she threatened, if the 'behaviour' continued, to report me to my employeer. (I am a university lecturer.) The police gave me a Criminal Intelligence number for future reference. Today another letter arrived from this person, charging me with various character-defects including 'extreme callousness'. I find this frankly a nuisance. I have had no contact with this person from my own side for over two years and just want to be left alone.
Is there a legal remedy ? Are we dealing with harassment, anti-social behaviour - or what ? I don't want to suggest the wrong offence to the police. Any informed suggestions or advice would be welcome.
2007-08-23 08:18:48 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
A wide range of extremely useful replies. I take JZD's point that invoking the law against neighbours and acquaintances can bring big personal and social problems whatever the legal outcome. On Joan K's comment : I'm not accusing her of stalking, so don't have to produce evidence. If she were to accuse me of stalking she would need to provide evidence, and none would be forthcoming since I'm not doing it. Her letters about the various things she complains of are distressing and she cannot support them with any evidence. I don't think it's just 'my word against hers' since I have the firm evidence of the letters and she has nothing to prove that the letters are justified. Are you suggesting (I'm not clear) that I should do absolutely nothing or simply not pursue the stalking angle ? Just clarifying; I appreciate your contribution.
2007-08-23 10:27:35 · update #1
Harassment under the Prevention of Harassment Act 1997 is more than two actions by a person which are intended to cause harassment, distress or alarm or might be viewed by a reasonable person as tending to do so.
If this activity continues, you would have the grounds for a legal injunction under the Act.
That may seem a little heavy handed.
Initially, the best course may be to allow matters to rest - to see it it continues. If it does, write to her either directly or perhaps via a solictor (best option), asking her to desist.
If it does not, the police are amenable to having 'a queit word', but almost certainly will not prosecute.
Ultimately, the injunctive relief may be your only recourse. This activity tends to spiral the wrong way. It is classic attention-seeking behaviour.
2007-08-23 08:27:22 · answer #1 · answered by JZD 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi, Just keep reporting it to the police, these are nuisance letters, and this woman must have nothing else to do, or she is the one that is obsessed with you. This type of letter can be upsetting especially because you have done nothing wrong. And this is her way of keeping in contact. Also keep a diary of everything she does, and your crime numbers from the police. The police would tell you to do this as well. I do hope she stops this soon, but the more evidence you get the better as she has nothing at all. As for your employers is there a HR Department or a manager that you could speak to about this matter, i know you may be a private person but sometimes a problem shared is a problem halved. I have found this over the years but i only tell someone i can trust. I do hope that this woman stops soon, just ignore her if you do see her she sounds deranged to me.
2007-08-23 08:37:59 · answer #2 · answered by kevina p 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is definitely harrassment - personally I would contact a Solicitor - maybe one warning letter from a Solicitor would do the trick - if not go to the Police once again - they will then most probably give her a warning - you must do something though so as to not have your reputation sullied in anyway by this woman - make your employers aware of the letters that way should she contact them they will be prepared and see the situation as it is - harrassment !
This woman clearly has a problem and if you do not take action she will keep on sending letters - she sound thoroughly unstable and if the Police gave you a reference number before they agree that her behaviour is out of order and against the law - good luck
2007-08-23 08:31:04 · answer #3 · answered by korcula 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say that this is harassment although if the letters are confined to you it can't be libel. I think you should get some legal advice as there may be some action you can take under the laws pertaining to stalking. It is also possible that is is anti-social behaviour. I would not worry about about suggesting offences to the police. If you wish to take the matter back to them I would suggest to make an appointment to see the an inspector
2007-08-23 08:29:25 · answer #4 · answered by Maid Angela 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Speak to a solicitor. It sounds like you may need a restraining order.
I hope you don't think this is rude, but could the lady in question be 'confused'? When my Father in law first became ill he accused my husband (his son) of everything from stealing to flying. He was in the early stages of a Parkinson's based illness. Not that it would make it easier, but something to think about. Is there a family member of hers who would be willing to hear you out with and maybe mediate?
2007-08-23 08:31:45 · answer #5 · answered by Fourcandles 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I'd go to your employer yourself and let them know you have an unstable woman sending you letters and show them to your administator. Aplogize in advance for any nusiance she may cause and that you are dealing with the police.
As far as legal action, she is almost 70 years old, a court isn't going to do anything to her - if I were you. I'd dismiss it as a woman who might be declining in mental health - and although it is a nuisance, just ignore it.
2007-08-23 08:28:09 · answer #6 · answered by allrightythen 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Ignore them taking action could make matters worse. It's your word against hers and you could be accused of stalking her, she could use this as an excuse for writing the letters.
2007-08-23 10:06:59 · answer #7 · answered by flint 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Smacks of attention-seeking behaviour. It is she who seems to have a crush on you and want you to respond in some way. Either that or she's off her rocker, completo. You have done almost everything any person could do. Take all correspndence to them and leave it with them. They may choose to speak to her and warn her off. Just be on your guard in case she decided to get 'physical'.
2007-08-23 08:29:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go back to the police with your collection of letters and crime refererences and demand that she be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
2007-08-23 08:35:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't your employer (the university) have a legal aid office or even a law college ?
Laws vary everywhere , ask for advice in your location if you want it to be relevant .
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2007-08-23 08:29:19 · answer #10 · answered by kate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋