Neighbour and oarking

[STOTTYBUN]

I walk my children to school but the other day a car was totally blocking the pavement. I saw the owner of the car who lives opposite and asked him if he would mind parking to leave room for children. He said no and I said well the children might scratch your car if they have to squeeze through. He became angry so I said I’ll just ring the police. They did go to his house and he had to move his car. Then a few days later he made a formal complaint to the police saying I had said the children would scratch his car, a load of lies. However the police came to visit me, offered to take me to the police station to make a voluntary statement or to say I would cross the children over the road and back again to avoid his car. I was on my own and t want to go with them so agreed. However, in retrospect I don’t want to cross the children over a busy road and back again when there is a perfectly adequate pavement. I feel because I have agreed it is an admission of guilt and I did nothing. He is getting his own back because I rang the police. What would you all do, cross the road or make a statement?

I asked what would happen if I refused a voluntary interview as I hadn't done anything wrong and the PC said he would arrest me.

For what?

I'm a custody sgt. I wouldn't authorise your detention at the station. And no, you do NOT have to cross the road - you're as entitled to use that pavement as much as the next person.

And even if you did get arrested, or even just interviewed, in the absence of an admission or totally damning video evidence of your threatening to damage (of which there would be neither) it's only going one way. Nowhere!!!

So he blocks the pavement preventing pedestrians and those in wheelchairs , buggies or who require walkers etc from being able to use the path and you're the one threatened with arrest for pointing out what could happen as a result?

Ffs

I would make a complaint about the police. This man is committing an offence by blocking the pavement. You have not done anything wrong. So why are they threatening you with arrest?
Also would contact police every time the pavement is blocked, and not talk to the man again.

I'm amazed (and slightly baffled) that your local police force have time to even entertain the idea of following this up

Thanks everyone. Glad to have your support. I would never have damaged his car nor Iet the children, I would hate that to happen to mine . I just wanted him to realise that if he didn't leave room his car might be damaged by anyone. I did take a photo of the car which had all 4 wheels on the pavement.. He even at one point said his car was more important than the children. I was on my own when the police came-one constable and one PCSO. I didn't have a clue why they were coming, it was almost 3 weeks since it all happened. I am still in shock, can't remember what I said or what I was accused of really except I agreed to cross the children over a busy road and back again whereas the school in on my side of the highway. I have asked for a copy of the body cam footage. Someone told me I have a right to that. I will find out what was said from that. I feel better for having shared it and thanks for the support.

It looks to me as if your awkward neighbour interpreted STOTTYBUN's reference to his car being damaged as a veiled threat-a bit like the Mafia saying "Nice place you got here Alfredo-a pity if it got burned down".
Either that or he is lying.
If there have been other examples of Criminal Damage to unattended motor vehicles in your area, (perhaps to the awkward neighbour's own car), you can see how the Police might reluctantly think they must get involved. They can't win, in cases like this.
But the OP has done nothing wrong. Rise above it-and do not hesitate to report any examples of him obstructing the footway with his car.