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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to proceed with prosecution

128 replies

lilybetsy · 02/01/2019 10:43

A big vague but the essentials are here.

I'm a GP. Last week a male person came into my place of work asking for something i could not provide: Think an item of equipment that we simply don't have ( nor does any other GP surgery). I explained this to him, and told him where he could get what he needed. (about 1 mile away)
he got very angry, swore at me, threatened to 'finish me off' called me a 'cunt' and threw something at me. Then when my receptionist called he police he left.
The Police came, and told me I could pursue a prosecution if I wished, that this was an arrestable offence, and should be taken seriously.

I am inclined to pursue a prosecution, as much to make a serious statement about not accepting violence to anyone, Im ok. I have been a victim of DV and this kind of thing used to freak me out but I'm much stronger now.

Would you prosecute ? he has been removed from our patient list. Or is that vindictive, a waste of time since he didn't physically assault me?

OP posts:
hidinginthenightgarden · 02/01/2019 10:45

I would. He needs to know he cannot treat people like that!

Forkrightorf · 02/01/2019 10:45

I absolutely think you should proceed if you feel able to. People like him shouldn't be allowed to stomp about treating people that way.
I hope you are ok Thanks

brick10 · 02/01/2019 10:45

Yes, teach him a lesson! He can’t go around doing that kind of thing without consequence. Will you be ok to handle it over the next few weeks?

MrsChollySawcutt · 02/01/2019 10:45

Please prosecute. Abuse of healthcare workers / emergency services is abhorrent and in my view should always be prosecuted to deter others from this behaviour.

CoatTails · 02/01/2019 10:46

Definitely.

bluefolder · 02/01/2019 10:46

Another GP here. please prosecute.

HumpHumpWhale · 02/01/2019 10:46

I think there should be consequences for that kind of random outburst, yes. Why should he be allowed to think that's an appropriate way to deal with people? I'd pursue the prosecution. No tolerance for violence.

bluefolder · 02/01/2019 10:47

hello there - just wanted to offer some support re your MN post and to encourage you to prosecute. If you need some online GP support then try resilient GP on facebook, happy to add you if needed xx

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 02/01/2019 10:47

He was verbally abusive and threw something at you, so yes I would prosecute tbh. People can't just get away with that sort of behaviour Scott free. Hope you're ok OP.

WeaselsRising · 02/01/2019 10:48

I would. The next person he does it to might not be as strong as you.

veggiepigsinpastryblankets · 02/01/2019 10:49

Oh god yes, do it. The crime of assault includes these sort of threats for a reason and he should absolutely face consequences for his actions.

cheesywotnots · 02/01/2019 10:49

Yes I would prosecute, how horrible, hope you are ok.

Daisymay2 · 02/01/2019 10:51

Please prosecute - it is unfair to other NHS professionals, in particular other GPs and receptionists, if he is allowed to get away with it.
I think NHS Protect ( or what ever they are called this week ) have advice if you are uncertain.

SoftlyCatchyMonkey1 · 02/01/2019 10:52

If he so easily flew off the handle at you, imagine what he’s probably like with those closest to him - they must be terrified. He needs to be prosecuted.

SushiMonster · 02/01/2019 10:53

Too fuckkg right. Zero tolerance on that behaviour. Aggressive piece of shit deserves all the hassle possible.

Cuttingthegrass · 02/01/2019 10:53

Yes you should follow through with prosecution. CPS will ultimately decide. Your actions may help him (via court order perhaps) get the help he requires.

MulticolourMophead · 02/01/2019 10:53

I think you should prosecute. People like this need a deterrent, and just removing him from your list isn't enough.

brizzledrizzle · 02/01/2019 10:54

I would because next time he does it it could be worse. If he's not prosecuted then it sends out the message that he can do it and get away with it. I hope you are OK Flowers
That said, if you don't feel that you can go through with it don't beat yourself up about it as you've had a rough time.

Itssosunnyout · 02/01/2019 10:54

Yes. It is in the publics best interest.
If anything they can give him a caution.

heartshapedknob · 02/01/2019 10:54

I would want a prosecution to be pursued, yes. The way a person chooses to behave has consequences.

Fairenuff · 02/01/2019 10:55

Yes. Atrocious behaviour.

brownriceandpoptarts · 02/01/2019 10:56

I agree with PP.

It is absolutely not vindictive. This man acted in an unacceptable manner. That is supported by the fact he can be prosecuted for it! His behaviour does not deserve to go unchallenged.

cosytidy · 02/01/2019 10:58

Yep definitely. You don't know about his criminal history or the risk he poses to other people. This can be managed by probation should he be convicted. How would you feel if this wS a pattern of behaviour & he did this to other people?
If he has a solicitor she'd prob advise to plead guilty rather than give evidence against a GP.
Do it I say.

BlueSuffragette · 02/01/2019 10:59

Yes. They have big anger issues and could go on to really hurt somebody.

MrsSchadenfreude · 02/01/2019 10:59

Prosecute.

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