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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:
InfiniteTeas · 30/09/2023 16:27

There's a huge amount of misinformation on this thread, OP. I would advise you to step away, look up criminal defence firms in north London and call them on Monday morning to arrange representation. Happy to suggest some. There are three I'd be happy to have represent me, a couple I'd be okay with, and one I'd avoid like the plague. I've probably got a list of 5 solicitors who would be top of my list.

Hanlonsamazer · 30/09/2023 16:28

Rosscameasdoody · 30/09/2023 16:24

Can’t be bothered unpicking the flaws in this argument.

Show quote history

Oh, do. Please! I’d love to hear how you untangle Finnish data protection law in your spare time.

UsernameChangedYetAgain · 30/09/2023 16:29

justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 16:24

does person of interest mean they don't have enough evidence to accuse me of being a suspect in a crime? or are they synonyms

Show quote history

It's a historic crime, so not urgency to arrest you.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Crime
Mrsttcno1 · 30/09/2023 16:30

justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 16:24

does person of interest mean they don't have enough evidence to accuse me of being a suspect in a crime? or are they synonyms

Show quote history

No it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have enough evidence.

A person of interest means you are a suspect, and either they are still building their case so do not yet have enough evidence, OR (and this is more likely in a case like this) they don’t believe it’s necessary to arrest you at that time.

If you truly believe you’ve done nothing wrong and it’s lies, get a solicitor, and go to the interview.

Or else you could well be back on here posting again in a few weeks that the police have arrested you at work, or in the supermarket, or from your home infront of all of your neighbours, and everybody will say you knew that would be the case.

Rosscameasdoody · 30/09/2023 16:30

justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 16:24

does person of interest mean they don't have enough evidence to accuse me of being a suspect in a crime? or are they synonyms

Show quote history

No. A person of interest is just another way of saying you are a suspect. They suspect you of committing, or being involved in committing a criminal offence. You won’t know what evidence they have until you attend the interview. Which is why you need legal representation when (not ‘if’) you attend. The interview isn’t voluntary OP. You are effectively under arrest as soon as you turn up, and if you’re a no show, trust me, you will be arrested, which could be a lot more handle, depending on when and where the police decide to do it. And the process will take a lot longer as you’ll be held until they can arrange legal representation. Better to arrange your own to attend with you at the pre arranged time and place. The legal counsel you need at the interview will be free.

Solonge · 30/09/2023 16:32

Really? Why? Bearing in mind the police are going to be asking in depth questions. If anyone posts anything online that is personally offensive to the point it can be deemed a hate crime, you dont forget posting it.

Original poster
justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 16:33

Rosscameasdoody · 30/09/2023 16:30

No. A person of interest is just another way of saying you are a suspect. They suspect you of committing, or being involved in committing a criminal offence. You won’t know what evidence they have until you attend the interview. Which is why you need legal representation when (not ‘if’) you attend. The interview isn’t voluntary OP. You are effectively under arrest as soon as you turn up, and if you’re a no show, trust me, you will be arrested, which could be a lot more handle, depending on when and where the police decide to do it. And the process will take a lot longer as you’ll be held until they can arrange legal representation. Better to arrange your own to attend with you at the pre arranged time and place. The legal counsel you need at the interview will be free.

Show quote history

then why not call me suspect? why say 'person of interest'?

OP posts:
Bertiesmum3 · 30/09/2023 16:34

Lampzade · 30/09/2023 13:00

Op,
I don’t understand why you can’t remember.
Have you ever posted controversial things or sent emails/ messages to anyone.?
Can you look back at your emails: messages.etc?

Oh give over 🤣
I can’t remember what I done 4 hours ago, let alone 4 years ago 🤣🤣

MichelleScarn · 30/09/2023 16:36

@Solonge but figuratively anything can be deemed offensive now, as long as someone perceives it to be to them!

Mrsttcno1 · 30/09/2023 16:38

justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 16:33

then why not call me suspect? why say 'person of interest'?

Show quote history

It’s just the term they use, probably less threatening that putting “suspect” on a letter.

You’re missing the point, everybody here has told you, it does mean you are suspected of committing a crime. A google search will confirm that for you.

Solonge · 30/09/2023 16:41

You cant be arrested for offending someone! Unless its a hate crime against them because they are Gay or you say something deemed threatening about their race or religion or you outright threaten them. If it was just offending someone, half of the posters on MN would be waiting to be arrested!

JeremyIsntAllBadAtAll · 30/09/2023 16:46

I hope someone has been on and said don’t accept a caution.

This can have consequences on DBS for jobs

Im pleased you have legal representation

Never be a normal nice person and chat to the police or admit to anything.

I just think that everything can be used against you now.

Rosscameasdoody · 30/09/2023 16:46

justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 16:33

then why not call me suspect? why say 'person of interest'?

Show quote history

It’s just language - probably they consider it less threatening than using the term ‘suspect’ but it does mean the same thing, and you’re missing the point. You have no choice but to attend. They are giving you the option of turning up with your own legal counsel at a pre-arranged time and place because they don’t consider it urgently necessary to arrest you at this point. If you don’t turn up they will arrest you. Get a solicitor and go at the arranged time, it’s less hassle.

JeremyIsntAllBadAtAll · 30/09/2023 16:47

And sadly, person of interest is a euphemism for suspect.

JeremyIsntAllBadAtAll · 30/09/2023 16:49

Best of luck. Thought crime is rife, and it’s luck of the draw if an “offended” person decides to gao after you these days.

justasking111 · 30/09/2023 16:57

justbeenaccused · 30/09/2023 13:02

This is only being brought up now bc I accused my cousin of sexual abuse against me and his family have been telling mine that they will report me for something to get back at me as revenge. Shall I tell the police this ?

Show quote history

Did you accuse him of sexual abuse on social media?

SureWhyNotThen · 30/09/2023 16:59

I've recently been in summoned to one of those interviews. Ask for the duty solicitor so they can run through everything beforehand with you and so that the interview is done correctly.

You won't know what they have until you get there but the solicitor will be provided it. If they have screenshots you'll have to own up to it because going against it is pointless if it's in their hands.

Mine was okay in general, it was also recorded on video which I wasn't expecting. However, at times the officer was trying to insinuate things to throw me off guard, silly things that made no sense more like fishing. I just kept my cool and answered everything and my side of the story.

Soon as the interview was over he was fine and said his views and was fairly supportive once he knew the full story as I had given context and also proved the other party was lying.

Kaxford · 30/09/2023 17:03

This reply has been deleted

We've removed this as it was posted on the wrong thread in error.

MLMsuperfan · 30/09/2023 17:04

Maybe start a new thread for that?

Rosscameasdoody · 30/09/2023 17:06

This reply has been deleted

We've removed this as it was posted on the wrong thread in error.

You need to start your own thread in the appropriate section. This one belongs to the OP and it’s on an entirely different issue.

JudgeRudy · 30/09/2023 17:06

I'd start off by doing a data access request to FB (or Twitter etc) and seeing if you've ever had a ban. Gather intel. I'd also think back to work. Was anyone sacked or left under unusual circumstances? Were you party to gossip via email or phone?
Then I'd just leave it. If you're that much 'of interest' you'll be approached again...and possibly arrested. Have a solicitor in mind or ask for the duty solicitor and do not say a word until you have legal representation.

Raisinnola · 30/09/2023 17:06

Not bullshit at all, a no comment interview is an anticipated guilty plea if it goes as far as court. Because naturally a court may wonder why a person would refuse to give an account when being accused of a crime if they’re innocent of it, making no comment in a police interview then giving an account at court (if it gets that far) may lead to certain inferences being drawn about the persons innocence or otherwise.
There’s really no reason not to give an account if you’re completely innocent and have no knowledge of whichever offence you’re being interviewed for, it’s not 1970, police can’t get away with “fitting people up” these days.
Some of the advice on here is shocking and so inaccurate I genuinely wonder if people are just getting their info from TV 😂

sofasunday · 30/09/2023 17:08

This is why I’d be erasing my phone…

lol what could go wrong with perverting the course of justice and erasing your phone after receiving letters from the police? They’re not stupid.

Also the software the police use to brute force enter phones can check for deleted content. Just because something can’t be seen on the front end, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist on the back end

Kedece2410 · 30/09/2023 17:12

Then I'd just leave it. If you're that much 'of interest' you'll be approached again...and possibly arrested

No possibly about it. I cant believe the number of people on here saying ignore it. Its not going to go away by ignoring it.

But yeah ignore it until they come and arrest you in front of your kids, neighbours or colleagues. Being led away in handcuffs is a much better option than turning up with your solicitor to find out what it's all about

LadyRoughDiamond · 30/09/2023 17:13

I was once advised by a barrister friend never to attend any sort of police meeting, however ‘informal’ or voluntary’ without some sort of legal representation.