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Original poster

Just been accused of being a person of interest in a malicious communications offence that happened years ago

330 replies

justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 12:39

I received a letter from the police summoning me to the station of a voluntary interview. I am a person of interest in a malicious comms case that occured in 2019.

Does this mean I am a suspect, or a witness etc.?
How can I find out who reported me ?

OP posts:
MichelleScarn · 30/09/2023 12:43

Are you 'openly gender critical' (sad that it's the first thing my mind jumps to).
My first thought is something posted on social media?

Monkeybutt1 · 30/09/2023 12:43

No a person of interest doesn't necessarily suspect, its someone who may be able to help with an investigation.

SunflowersAndSmellyTrainers · 30/09/2023 12:44

No idea

Do you recall anything vaguely about anything similar to this

You'd probably need some kind of legal advice before/whilst attending tbh

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Crime
Original poster
justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 12:44

MichelleScarn · 30/09/2023 12:43

Are you 'openly gender critical' (sad that it's the first thing my mind jumps to).
My first thought is something posted on social media?

Yeah, I can't remember what was posted back in 2019 cos it was so long ago.
Does this mean I am a suspect or witness tho ?

OP posts:
MichelleScarn · 30/09/2023 12:45

@Monkeybutt1 is that always the case?not something I have much knowledge of and I'd also jump to thinking I was being accused of something!

Winnading · 30/09/2023 12:45

MichelleScarn · 30/09/2023 12:43

Are you 'openly gender critical' (sad that it's the first thing my mind jumps to).
My first thought is something posted on social media?

Same, first thought GC and you've liked or shared a post on social media.

Tilllly · 30/09/2023 12:45

Malicious communication can be quite serious - it can result in a custodial sentence
Usually it's a fine or a warning but not always
It covers menacing, indecent or grossly offensive messages

You should ask for the duty solicitor to be present at your voluntary interview

The police are not required to tell you who has reported you, tho it's likely to be obvious

My advice is to admit it, if you've done it

Winnading · 30/09/2023 12:46

From memory of kjk, a voluntary interview is just that, you dont have to attend unless and until they come arrest you.

Personally I'd go with a legal rep. And just say no comment to everything.

Original poster
justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 12:46

Tilllly · 30/09/2023 12:45

Malicious communication can be quite serious - it can result in a custodial sentence
Usually it's a fine or a warning but not always
It covers menacing, indecent or grossly offensive messages

You should ask for the duty solicitor to be present at your voluntary interview

The police are not required to tell you who has reported you, tho it's likely to be obvious

My advice is to admit it, if you've done it

But I genuinely don't remember cos it was so long ago

OP posts:
Tilllly · 30/09/2023 12:48

Just tell the truth then

If it was on SM, they will have screen shots

The onus is on them to prove your guilt, not on you to prove innocence

Inkpotlover · 30/09/2023 12:48

Person of interest means you are suspected of being involved in a crime, not a witness to one. You haven't been arrested yet and you are being asked to voluntarily attend the interview, so it may be a fishing expedition on the part of the police. Get some legal advice before you go.

Winnading · 30/09/2023 12:49

justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 12:46

But I genuinely don't remember cos it was so long ago

Show quote history

Depending on which platform used, can you scroll back to 2019? It might take an age but it can be done.

Original poster
justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 12:49

Tilllly · 30/09/2023 12:48

Just tell the truth then

If it was on SM, they will have screen shots

The onus is on them to prove your guilt, not on you to prove innocence

How do u know I am not a witness in this case? I don't post controversial things on SM...

OP posts:
Tilllly · 30/09/2023 12:50

I don't know
But a Person of interest is usually a suspect

If they wanted to interview you as a witness, they'd have said so

Inkpotlover · 30/09/2023 12:51

justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 12:46

But I genuinely don't remember cos it was so long ago

Show quote history

It might be personal rather than online social media. Is there anyone you fell out with around 2019? Have you ever sent anyone a nasty email or threatening texts?

FictionalCharacter · 30/09/2023 12:51

Winnading · 30/09/2023 12:46

From memory of kjk, a voluntary interview is just that, you dont have to attend unless and until they come arrest you.

Personally I'd go with a legal rep. And just say no comment to everything.

Absolutely, they can’t make you go to a voluntary interview. It’s most likely a fishing expedition and they’ll try to get you to admit something that they don’t have evidence for. Clearly they don’t have enough evidence to arrest you.
I wouldn’t go.

Original poster
justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 12:52

FictionalCharacter · 30/09/2023 12:51

Absolutely, they can’t make you go to a voluntary interview. It’s most likely a fishing expedition and they’ll try to get you to admit something that they don’t have evidence for. Clearly they don’t have enough evidence to arrest you.
I wouldn’t go.

Show quote history

if u don't turn up, they just arrest u

OP posts:
Inkpotlover · 30/09/2023 12:52

justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 12:49

How do u know I am not a witness in this case? I don't post controversial things on SM...

Show quote history

You are definitely not the witness. Person of interest does mean suspect.

RudsyFarmer · 30/09/2023 12:52

Do not turn up without legal representation. Do not admit to anything. Do not accept a caution. Make them prove it. Personally I would No Comment, No Comment. No Comment.

SerpentEndBench · 30/09/2023 12:53

I honestly thought Person of Interest was a USA thing, like the TV show.

Inkpotlover · 30/09/2023 12:53

RudsyFarmer · 30/09/2023 12:52

Do not turn up without legal representation. Do not admit to anything. Do not accept a caution. Make them prove it. Personally I would No Comment, No Comment. No Comment.

Edited

I second this.

AutumnFroglets · 30/09/2023 12:54

My advice is to admit it, if you've done it
DO NOT DO THIS!!!

Ask for a solicitor to sit in with you if you go voluntarily. If you are GC and it's about that then there have been many high profile cases already.

Which police force is it? Some are worse than others for targeting GCs.

MadeForThis · 30/09/2023 12:54

Get a solicitor and be prepared to make a no comment statement.

Original poster
justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 12:55

AutumnFroglets · 30/09/2023 12:54

My advice is to admit it, if you've done it
DO NOT DO THIS!!!

Ask for a solicitor to sit in with you if you go voluntarily. If you are GC and it's about that then there have been many high profile cases already.

Which police force is it? Some are worse than others for targeting GCs.

Edited

Its colindale police

OP posts:
lifeturnsonadime · 30/09/2023 12:55

OP what a worry, I agree with @RudsyFarmer

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