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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Acid attacked following a successful insurance claim against 3rd party

28 replies

ChristineDianaJones · 14/08/2022 23:35

Hello,

A couple of years ago, I was involved in an accident (non fault), with defendant's car hitting my car from the back.

Last week, the defendant's insurance company decided to settle the claim, after lots of excuses/lies/delay tactics by defendant. I am still awaiting for the cheque to arrive in the post! Today the defendant has sprayed my car with paint remover in about 6 places!

I have cctv evidence, his face is covered. Police not interested! What can I do if anything?

We just feel unsafe in our own house - I think solicitors revealed our address to other party when court papers were served, not sure if they had to or not?

OP posts:
purpleme12 · 14/08/2022 23:39

Wow that is shocking!
I'm so sorry I've no advice but I know what it's like to be targeted 😞

Original poster
ChristineDianaJones · 14/08/2022 23:50

Yes indeed. Huge lesson learnt, never let your solicitor share your address with 3rd party, it is an open invitation. Police are apparently busy solving 'real crime' and 'property damage' isn't up on their list! No wonder this country is going down the pan.

I'd love to find out what others might have to say.

I was thinking of getting evidence from other residents of their CCTV and proving that it is him who parked the car and did it! Police can track his phone, check his purchases on Amazon/eBay/local car shop for paint removal?

Is there a way of persuading our Police force to do something - at all?

OP posts:
Fitbachick · 15/08/2022 00:20

i would say that is criminal damage/vandalism and it is a crime.
i would try calling or going to the station and asking to make a complaint. If they still will not take action make a complaint to i think it is professional standards. You can find how to do this online.
I would certainly ask neighbours etc to retain any cctv footage before it gets deleted.
Also you could try posting on any local groups on social media asking if anyone saw anything or has cctv or dashcam footage. (Not sure if this would interfere with a criminal investigation).

Quia · 15/08/2022 00:30

Go back to someone more senior in the police station and make a fuss. Tell them you are worried the next attack will be a physical at5tack against you or a member of your family.

Original poster
ChristineDianaJones · 15/08/2022 00:53

Thank you for all your replies.

Just for clarity, they did give me a 'reference number' and all their sympathies but that's as far as it goes.

The investigating officer hung up the call when I said why won't they investigate it.

OP posts:
Original poster
ChristineDianaJones · 15/08/2022 00:54

Should my solicitor have revealed my address to third party? You would have thought his firm could have used their correspondence address?

No idea but clearly that's what lead him to me - a single vulnerable mum with kids.

OP posts:
User8273738273737 · 15/08/2022 01:09

ChristineDianaJones · 15/08/2022 00:54

Should my solicitor have revealed my address to third party? You would have thought his firm could have used their correspondence address?

No idea but clearly that's what lead him to me - a single vulnerable mum with kids.

I would have thought they should not under any circumstances reveal your address to a third party - it might be a violation of the data protection act.
even worse as this was revealed to someone who may be motivated to come after you and harass/intimidate/etc you or outright attack you/loved ones/your property

User8273738273737 · 15/08/2022 01:11

How do you know/why do you think this was included in information disclosed by your solicitor?

Lalliella · 15/08/2022 01:21

Surely it’s a GDPR breach to share your address? You need to complain about your solicitor. Sorry this has happened to you OP.

NellyNothing · 15/08/2022 01:22

That's terrible! I'd be nervous too. I'd go back to the police too. It's more than vandalism, it would feel threatening to me.

Cyclemarine · 15/08/2022 01:45

Ugh how awful. It might be that your name is on the documents and they found out your address through that somehow?
If the police insist on not doing anything you could probably take this to civil court for any financial loss but the person sounds unhinged - you don’t want to rile him further without police intervention.

anotherronnee · 15/08/2022 01:58

If it helps, when I bumped into someone and the person made a claim, I saw their name, job, and address when the paperwork came through. So I think it might be his it works?

anotherronnee · 15/08/2022 01:59

How this works, even.
sorry this happened to you, sounds awful and the person sounds incredibly thick as it’s so obviously him!

Original poster
ChristineDianaJones · 15/08/2022 02:39

Thank you for all replies.

I'll have to dig out more CCTV evidence. I think its a cowardly act.

Regarding Police Professional Standards, can they be challenged with some sort of Police watchdog/ombudsman?

I just realised that we had exchanged witness statements and that DID INCLUDE address - my address and I suspect his solicitor will have shared that with him, just like my solicitor disclosed his address to me.

OP posts:
CandyGiveaway · 15/08/2022 04:10

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

For · 15/08/2022 07:45

ChristineDianaJones · 15/08/2022 02:39

Thank you for all replies.

I'll have to dig out more CCTV evidence. I think its a cowardly act.

Regarding Police Professional Standards, can they be challenged with some sort of Police watchdog/ombudsman?

I just realised that we had exchanged witness statements and that DID INCLUDE address - my address and I suspect his solicitor will have shared that with him, just like my solicitor disclosed his address to me.

I’m so sorry OP!

It is standard for the address of a witness to be included in the witness statement. It comes from olden times when there might be a dozen people in a village called Anne Jones and by giving the address they’re telling the Court which person is making the allegations, eg “Anne Jones of Mill House” or “Anne Jones of the Smithy” or whatever

I’ve always found it so naive and shocking thst this practice continues despite the obvious risks.

😥

DinoDay · 15/08/2022 07:47

How about making another insurance claim, after all they know who did it and where they live!

Fitbachick · 15/08/2022 07:47

I believe that they do get your details, as i had similar and am sure my solicitor said that they would get access to all info including medical reports etc.
If you make a complaint against police i would do it in writing and if you are still unhappy with how police deal with it you can take it further. If you look online for your police area it will give you details on making a complaint.
i would definitely be doing this as you have been targeted this is not some random attack.

Quia · 15/08/2022 08:03

ChristineDianaJones · 15/08/2022 00:54

Should my solicitor have revealed my address to third party? You would have thought his firm could have used their correspondence address?

No idea but clearly that's what lead him to me - a single vulnerable mum with kids.

Yes, they have to include the address unless there's a court order allowing it to be omitted. To get a court order you would have to show a good reason, e.g. evidence of threats.

Hopeandlove · 15/08/2022 08:12

Make another insurance claim for the damage get neighbour cctv complain to the station in writing et.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 15/08/2022 08:22

'Police are apparently busy solving 'real crime' and 'property damage' isn't up on their list!'

I wonder what would happen if you went to the police station and sprayed one of the police cars with acid. Presumably nothing!

Arnaquer · 15/08/2022 08:25

If his face was covered how can you tell it was him?

Arnaquer · 15/08/2022 08:26

I'm not trying to be unsympathetic but that is the reason why police would struggle to take it further

SunaksTruss · 15/08/2022 08:26

Solicitors and insurance companies are not required to give your address to a 3rd party. They often have sloppy data protection practices and have to be reminded not to do this
I would complain to the senior partner at your solicitors and insurance company and add the cost of a re spray to your claim.

Ariela · 15/08/2022 08:31

Can you go along your road and nearby and ask every house - see if anyone has any cctv to show the registration of the vehicle he used to get to your property - presumably parked outside someone else, and can be seen getting the kit out at the exact time of your attack? I'm sure he won't be clever enough to think to cover up his registration, and model of car might be obvious too.