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

[justbeenaccused]

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 ?

Terrible advice. Why do you think the police caution is worded ‘it may harm your defence if you do not mention something you later rely on in court’ ? You go with a solicitor and let them guide you on how to answer the questions. No comment interviews can come back to bite you if the case goes to court.

A no comment interview just gets you through the interview. Of course if they’ve got no evidence then you haven’t incriminated yourself but if they have then you’ve offered up no defence, no mitigation or other line of enquiry for them. Also please note that they don’t need to disclose all the evidence they have on you before the interview …. They might for simplicity sake but they don’t have to.

Typically the solicitor will recommend you say 'no comment' as the police go through their questions, but they will write down those questions. Then, they will have a private meeting with you to write a statement together where you address the facts questioned and your defense. This is then read into the record in a second interview. That way you don't incriminate yourself with a hasty or careless statement, but you also lay out your defense and any facts you might rely on later.

So that you’ll blab and ignore the general advice of ‘No Comment’ the police, and answer the barrister with “I followed the legal advice I was given”

Hi @justbeenaccused something made me think of you today. I know it’s been a while, but I wondered what happened to you. Hope all is ok. X