To think I have just been charged by the police and not know what to do next

[Worriedmummy2]

This morning I was at netball club with my young daughter when 2 police officers turned up and asked to speak to me. I was panic stricken as I thought something had happened to my husband and son.

They took me a short distance away from everyone and read me my rights. I think I went into shock at the point and have difficulty recalling what was said next.

I all revolves around an incident 2 weeks ago at the same club. The carpark is always busy as a netball and football club is on at the same time. I had trouble getting into a space and tried to edge in really slowly. I was literally going so slowly the speed wasn’t even registering. I was struggling to get in and a space opened up right behind me so I parked there instead. A man then walked up to my window and said ‘you just hit that car’. I replied that I don’t think I hit anything, I didn’t feel anything and was watching very carefully. I also have back sensors which did not go off at all. The man then got aggressive and kept stating that I hit another car. My 6 year old daughter was with me and was getting upset. I said ok I will leave a note.

I then found the only scrappy bit of paper in the car that I could and wrote my mobile on it. I waited until the man walked away as I felt unsafe then went over to the car which I presumed was the one he meant. I could see no damage and there was no damage to my car. Nevertheless I put my phone number under the wiper. I didn’t write on it ‘I got your car’ or anything as I honestly don’t believe I did.

Fast forward 2 weeks and the police turn up. They gave me a list of offences - I think there were 3 and I think one was failing to stop and failing to report an accident. They said Aggressive man told the owner of the car that I had just left a blank piece of paper on the car but that he had my details. I explained what had actually happened I think but, to be honest, I was so stressed I imagine it was pretty jumbled. I’m just in disbelief. Why on earth would anyone leave a blank piece of paper when you go there every week, someone has taken a picture of your car etc.

I even showed them texts I sent to my husband 10 minutes later about what had happened and how I had left my details. I said in the text, I don’t think I hit them but they’ll probably try to claim for everything now so that will be our insurance going up.

The police read the texts, made a note of everything I had said and said they would investigate more. Have I been charged? Do I need a solicitor? What should I do next? My anxiety is through the roof after reading those charges can mean 6 months in prison. Haven’t stopped crying all day.

Just read your updates. Get a dash cam ASAP.

Check your insurance policy carefully - there is likely to be a clause stating that you MUST report minor incidents like this to your insurers. Yes you may give up your NCD, however in the future if your insurer finds out about this they may invalidate your insurance, hike up your premiums, and you’ll lose your NCD anyway. It may be considered fraud if you don’t tell them. You’ll have to consider if the benefits outweigh the risks. Once you have an insurance policy cancelled, you’ll struggle to get insured again.

The thing is, a lot about this incident seems weird to the point that I would personally rather have my insurer’s solicitors handling this. It does seem like they’re trying it on. It’s your choice to make though. I can see why you’d want to settle privately, but you don’t even know if you caused any damage nor if this will be the end of it - they could ask for more later.

Agree with pp - just reply to the email and say that you prefer to go through insurance. You don't need to say anything else to the police. They can't charge you with anything just because you want to go through insurance. You will probably only lose 1 years ncb and you would have to inform insurers of the incident anyway. When (if) your insurers contact you, just tell them that you didn't hit anyone and let them decide whether to pay out. No need to get your own solicitor or make an official complaint. IMO you are insane to ever pay privately unless you are absolutely certain it is all above board. And then only for very small amounts (less than 100 say).

Op you don’t need “ infinite funds” or “ top solicitors”.
Just contact your insurance company tell them you DIDNT HIT THE CAR, ( you know you didn’t hit it right? You have parking sensors and there was no crunch) and let them fight it out. One simple phone call or email.

Please don’t roll over on this, can you not see how crazy it is to admit to and opal for something you didn’t do?

Pay for, not opal for.

I would ask the club if they have CCTV there. If they do, see if they have it front that day. Do that ASAP. This whole thing seems overdone. That they used their position to use the police. That would be looked really down on where I live. I am not sure about there!

Look at your car, there would be a slight mark where you would have rubbed them. A bit of paint, or lack of paint. Something. Proof or lack of.

Does the picture show the colour of your car paint??!

I'm another one suggesting you go through your insurance. It may cost you a fraction more than the £200 they're claiming now, if you lose your no claims, or your policy goes up a bit... But, in my opinion, they've already acted in a dodgy manner, so I would be very concerned that once you've paid the £200, they'll 'discover' more damage and come after you for that too, then they'll threaten you with the fact you didn't go through your insurance originally, which is against their policy and you've admitted liability by paying the first £200.

Really

The police do not investigate non injury RTC's.

And as this happened in a car park, even less so.

And what do you think the chances are of two police officers being deployed to such a heinous crime?

you are being scammed OP
Insurance is the way to go and lodge a complaint against aggressive man

op I hope you're okay. So many posts here. I know this all must feel overwhelming.

If you can just do one thing, make sure it's contracting your insurers.

Do you have anyone in real life who can help you?

@Confusedfornow maybe actually read the thread?

I ask to have an independent quote if it were me. All seems a bit suss.

You are really going to roll over, be intimidated and humiliated for the sake NCD (which is worth what?).

Phone your insurance explain what's happened and that you know you didn't hit the car.

Chancing bent copper will be most displeased to hear from your insurer and not you.

This is what your insurance is for.

I'm so angry on your behalf! Appalling, intimidating behaviour from the police. PM me OP and I'll bloody deal with it for you!!!!!!

Stop fannying around and just stick it through your insurance. Jesus wept, is it worth all this hassle to just, in the worst case scenario, stop your insurance going up by a few bob? And next time protect your no claims bonus if you can, it’s a few quid and worth it.

So if I was more robust and had infinite funds for top solicitors and a chauffeur if I get banned then I would.

Fucking hell.

You don’t need “infinite funds” for a top solicitors. You have an insurance company. Let them deal with it.

You aren’t going to get “banned” and need a chauffeur. Come on, you need to get a grip and some bloody perspective here.

I suspect angry man did the damage and was pinning it on you.

It does seem very odd though that the police have come to find you. AFAIK a minor bump in a private car park doesn't warrant police involvement anyway. It's on private land so if no one is injured then no real issue.

The fact that the police came to visit you there suggests to me that someone saw the man hit the other car. He swore blind it wasn't him it was you, they didn't believe him but had to follow up and you basically confirmed what they already knew.

I also suspect that the damaged car was nowhere near where you parked - rather close to where he parked - or even just parked and he hit the bit sticking out.

Regardless of all that, you are not in bother with the police as they would have informed you if there was any follow up