to proceed with prosecution

[lilybetsy]

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?

On the basis of what you have said I would prosecute.

You’re not just prosecuting for you, but also sending a message to your staff that you’ve got their back and will provide them with a safe working environment.

You’re doing the right thing.

I think we live in a society where GPs are largely considered with respect. Certainly most of us don’t go around assaulting them. I’d definitely pursue on the basis that if they’ve felt they can behave in this way to you, how might they be treating their nearest?