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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Police and jail advice ...

41 replies

user1490538976 · 29/03/2017 14:52

I wasn't sure where to post so il try here.
Apologies if I'm in wrong spot..
Ok a man was arrested 8 months ago after a girl (16) accused him of something (he didn't do it and no cctv ) then 3 other girls (her friends) came forward claiming the same thing.
He was released on bail and that bail date keeps getting extended as cps are looking at case.
Surely if there's no evidence just word of mouth from girls then it can't go to court?
If they keep extending bail does that mean that they have nothing on him otherwise it would of been sent to court before now?
Anybody could claim anything they can't take people's word for it can they?

OP posts:
mouldycheesefan · 29/03/2017 14:57

🙄
You have no idea what evidence they have.
Testimony from 4 people is more compelling than the testimony from one person I.e the original complainant.
The CPS will assess the evidence and make a decision whether there is sufficient to go to court. If doesn't go to court doesn't mean the alleged perpetrator is innocent, just that there was insufficient evidence.
Of course they can take people's word for it. It's for a jury to decide who to believe. I know someone who was a juror on a historic abuse case. Only verbal testimony. Was convicted. But equally others aren't.

If you are in a relationship with a potential abuser, consider your decisions and position carefully.

Original poster
user1490538976 · 29/03/2017 14:59

No just a hypothetical question..

OP posts:
mouldycheesefan · 29/03/2017 15:00

If you are writing a novel it's "would have" rather than "would of."
HTH

RayofFuckingSunshine · 29/03/2017 15:02

How do you know he didn't do it? Were you there? Did you witness the alleged incident?

The CPS will be investigating and they may well have evidence that they haven't shared with you. They generally don't pick up the phone every time something new comes to light to share with Joe public.

And yes. They can prosecute, successfully, on witness testimony.

Side note. Even if they don't decide to go to court, it DOES NOT mean he is innocent, only that there was not enough evidence to proceed with good chances of getting a guilty verdict.

Original poster
user1490538976 · 29/03/2017 15:04

It's a scary world to think anyone with a Vendetta against someone can just say whatever and cause trouble for them.
I guess you have to put your faith in justice system

OP posts:
Theresnonamesleft · 29/03/2017 15:05

Maybe more have come forward

witsender · 29/03/2017 15:07

It is actually the word of 4 people against the word of 1 isn't it. Of course the CPS won't let it go without a thorough investigation. There are only a couple of people who know what really happened, and unless you are the accused you are not one of them.

SookiesSocks · 29/03/2017 15:07

Anybody could claim anything they can't take people's word for it can they?

This is why the police investigate but anyone can make any alligation.

Original poster
user1490538976 · 29/03/2017 15:09

I don't really understand how things like this work if I'm honest.

OP posts:
SenseiWoo · 29/03/2017 15:10

What people say is evidence. There are different kinds of evidence: oral evidence, documentary evidence, photographic evidence etc.

Case do go to court where there is only oral evidence. The magistrate/judge/jury is left to decide whose oral evidence they prefer-the defendant, or the accusers/witnesses. However, it isn't purely a numbers game where the side with the most witnesses wins.

SookiesSocks · 29/03/2017 15:11

Whats to understand?

People report things to the police.
The police investigate.
If they have enough evidence to support the complaint they charge the person then it goes to court.
If they dont then they are released without charge.

ClaryBeanHorshAndMe · 29/03/2017 15:14

Anybody could claim anything they can't take people's word for it can they?

Well, 4 people... Not just one person.

But yes, it is. Which is why it's in dubio pro reo. Anyhow, whilst we wish the system and the law was always just... It's not.

Btw, I'm kind of expecting this to be deleted before I can even post my comment...

Wondermoomin · 29/03/2017 15:18

No just a hypothetical question..

Really Hmm

loobyloo1234 · 29/03/2017 15:20

Anybody could claim anything they can't take people's word for it can they?

Of course, but the case will only go to court if the CPS believe the word of those 4 people given the evidence that is presented

nogrip · 29/03/2017 15:20

What's your angle OP? Why are you asking?

BonnyScotland · 29/03/2017 15:20

When one alleged victim comes forward and makes an allegation... it is recorded and investigated... when further alleged victims come forward and make allegations... it is also recorded and investigated....

However... this now allows the Police to confirm a 'Pattern of Behaviour' thus proving a more solid case against the Accused... where there is no cctv dna or witnesses... the 'Pattern of behaviour' can help prove a case ...

GeorgiePeachie · 29/03/2017 15:22

OP a lot is done on word of mouth. that's why they cross reference the stories.

Footle · 29/03/2017 15:22

There are legal systems in which the only acceptable evidence of a sexual offence is the word of four respectable adult males. Is that the sort of thing you had in mind?

Happyandhungry · 29/03/2017 15:24

I guess its sexual assault of some kind? Probably best if you can explain your involvement so people can give you some advice, your post is far too vague and saying "its hypothetical" means no one will want to "help" you?

FlyingElbows · 29/03/2017 15:26

Surely there are far better resources than mumsnet to research the legal process surrounding your "hypothetical" situation?

Original poster
user1490538976 · 29/03/2017 15:33

No i was wondering what would happen if it was items going missing out of handbags ..purse/phone etc
Its actually a friends boyfriend who works in a nightclub cloak room and things have been reported as missing but he claims not to have taken them.
She's really worried and I don't have a clue how to give her peace of mind.

OP posts:
blueskyinmarch · 29/03/2017 15:33

They will have taken statements form the 4 girls then crossed referenced them to see if their narratives check out. If other people have been told about this or are in some way relevant to the issue, those people will have statements taken too. It can take an age to do all this. People are unavailable or they keep changing the story so other things need to be followed up. I assume then the police will hand everything over to the CPS and they will decide if there is a case to answer to or not. (I work in Scotland and know everything goes to the Procurator Fiscal and they decide on whether to prosecute or not.) I am often cited for cases i was involved in 2 or 3 years ago. The wheels of justice turn very slowly.

Original poster
user1490538976 · 29/03/2017 15:35

I personally thought it was odd how a busy nightclub had no cctv of a cloakroom..you would think with valuables being in ...cctv would of Been in place

OP posts:
JaneEyre70 · 29/03/2017 15:39

I guess you have to believe that the CPS would fully investigate whether there is a chance of successful prosecution in this case. They are the ones who decide if a case gets to court rather than the Police.

steppemum · 29/03/2017 15:42

well, I know a case where a 3 year old claimed serious abude against a man. Ttotal shock, out of the blue, no previous etc.

Then they discovered child porn on his computer. The original case with the girl was not persued at the time. 2 years later, he was arrested on that original case. No further evidence, no physical evidence at any point, I think the consistency of her story was a big point for the prosecution. That man is now doing 9 years.

Of course it could have been made up, and girl's mum was very flaky, and could have said anything to her really. But do I think they made the right call? 100%