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Police refusing to investigate

107 replies

ReformedWaywardTeen · 30/05/2023 09:52

I'm going to try and keep this brief but it's difficult due to context

Until 2021 we were friends with the owner of a local business along with a big group of other adults. Over time, business owner became more and more bullying to me personally. It was very obvious that he was obsessed with my DH.
DH is straight. Never gave the guy any reason to believe otherwise. We have been together for over 25 years. The catalyst to say "enough" for me was his behaviour at our wedding reception where he was rude to guests and where he was heard saying DH should have married better as he's better looking than me.
During our honeymoon we were told he was slagging me, telling people he was jealous of me (which he had said to me more than once whilst he was drunk). We decided to take a break from him but he was then slagging our teens off, saying they are weird and freaks. This is a man nearing 60. He has been known to abuse booze and drugs, not something any of the rest of us have much to do with. To be honest we all originally felt sorry for him and would cook him meals. He didn't seem to have anyone and said he had been dumped by a former group for being gay.

Anyway, over two years we've had people connected to him look at me like scum. We've had false complaints made against us to tax officers, and about our son having Disability allowances as he does have some quite serious illnesses. Throughout all the nastiness, we've kept quiet. We blocked him across social media although we were told that he was still being abusive about me pretty regularly until all our mates also blocked him.

On Friday, DH was bringing DS home from school and drove past the male. He jumped up, screaming his head off, the car windows were open and he was calling them both wankers and cunts and throwing fists. He was clearly drunk. Two acquaintances of ours saw this and told him to sit down. DH drove home.

He was angry though and rang the male, calling him some choice names. He did not threaten him. He had simply had enough and DS was so upset, he cannot deal with loud noise or aggression.

On Saturday morning, DH went to get some shopping and the police turned up. The officers were incredibly rude to me. They didn't even refer to my husband by his name or Mr surname, just spat his surname at me and asked is he in? He's never been in trouble with police in his life but they acted like he was some frequent offender.

I asked what was it about and the officer sneered at me that "he's an adult allegedly" so I shut the door. I heard the officer say through the door he would be back to arrest me later if my husband wasn't back!

I immediately called DH who drove to the local police station. He was made to sit there for over an hour and then the lady on the desk seeing no one had spoken to him since she had when he arrived phoned the officers. DH mentioned to her that he was provoked, that the behaviour of the male complainant was dangerous and threatening and that where he was has CCTV and he had two witnesses to the behaviour too (as the acquaintances had offered to give a statement if we wanted to raise a complaint).

The officers refused to speak to DH saying they would call Tuesday (today).

Instead, the rude one turned up at our door at 7pm on Sunday. Again he had an attitude. My husband even asked him how can we trust him when he refers to him so rudely the day before?

He had not looked into DHs side. He had not spoken to our witnesses. He had not asked for CCTV but was demanding DH come to the station and sign a community resolution and pay a compensation amount to the Man!

He refused to agree to do that. I got angry as I said the officer was failing to show due diligence and look into the facts of a case. I'm aware the guy involved has friends in the local police, and feel my husband is being blamed fully for being provoked after two years of aggressive behaviour and lies.
DH is accused of threatening him and of using homophobic slurs. There is no recording of this phone call and considering we have family members who are gay, we are the last people to be homophobic, but this is a tale he has told before to garner sympathy. He also once said a couple in a bar had called him a gay slur but they had simply asked him to not rock their table as he knocked a drink over. It's his default sympathy card.

When DH said he would not agree to sign anything or admit fault, he would like to take it further, the officer said "is that a threat". It clearly wasn't but he was sneering.

He then said he would need to get back to DH as he isn't satisfied with "our attitude".

The thing is, in the time we have stopped speaking to the complainant, along with 90% of our group, we met a couple who knew him before us and were used by him in a similar way. This was one of the couples he accused of homophobia. They said they stopped speaking to him because they became aware of an inappropriate relationship between the man and a 15 year old. The police had failed to look into it as the child was in care but they said as parents they didn't want him near their child.

Because the officer was so defensive of the complainant, DH said to him that this isn't the first time the police have turned a blind eye to his behaviour, mentioning the boy.

He is now worried that they can charge him for saying that to the officer

We've also looked into the community resolution and the police don't even come to your home they call and see if you agree to it and take things further if needed. So why come out twice?

I've contacted the independent body for police complaints but I understand that can take months.

We have heard nothing more but DH said he is worried he will go to prison- he's been doom scrolling on Google and I doubt that would happen but frankly, I think the officer knows the complainant and no doubt the CCTV the man has will be deleted.

Can anyone offer advice? We can't afford a solicitor. Surely they can't just decide without speaking to witnesses that DH is at fault. I did get angry at the officer but he was being so one sided and aggressive he didn't want to hear what DH had to say and had clearly decided from his first attending our home that DH is at fault.He was shouting over both of us and showed no professionalism. He would not hear that DH was provoked and that there was more evidence for that than what this liar was saying. Surely you can't bring any form of case or community resolution with neither evidence not investigation into the full events and provocation?

Can we have the officer removed and how?

OP posts:
Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 08:24

ReformedWaywardTeen · 31/05/2023 08:22

I see your point but we've made those accusations directly to the police regarding the conduct of the officer involved and we are yet to receive a formal response.

I believe in calling out bad behaviour where it happens and boy has it happened here. I am disgusted in all of this.

I have bee forced to ask for advice as a direct result of the behaviour of the officer. They escalated a simple call and seeing it was malicious from that into several days of intimidation, then radio silence.

You do you, but you're exposing yourself massively on here.

Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 08:28

This whole thread will likely be seen by the officer in question as you've provided so much identifying detail, and if there are inaccuracies or accusations you can't prove, you could find yourself in serious trouble.

Gazelda · 31/05/2023 08:35

I can understand your anxiety about this. But honestly, I think you should take a step back and let DH handle this now. Suggest to him that he keeps calm, factual, unemotional. Give the police time to resolve it and escalate if it becomes necessary (ie if the case isn't dropped with an assurance of no further action).

In the meantime, keep out of it and tell any police callers/visitors that they need to speak with DH directly.

Separately, gather info about the harassment. Factual. Then, once the investigation involving the street abuse is concluded, you should start a complaint about your former friend.

I fear you and DH are getting caught in a situation and causing it to escalate. Step back. Let it run its course. You know there isn't a case to answer.

And I know it must be on your mind 24/7. But I think you're being a little unrealistic to expect a response to your complaint so soon. In the scheme of things, this incident and the aftermath are small fry. The officer, his superiors and the complaints team all have other jobs on their workload and it's only been a few days since this incident started.

I sincerely hope it's soon resolved and your life returns to peace.

ReformedWaywardTeen · 31/05/2023 08:39

Gazelda · 31/05/2023 08:35

I can understand your anxiety about this. But honestly, I think you should take a step back and let DH handle this now. Suggest to him that he keeps calm, factual, unemotional. Give the police time to resolve it and escalate if it becomes necessary (ie if the case isn't dropped with an assurance of no further action).

In the meantime, keep out of it and tell any police callers/visitors that they need to speak with DH directly.

Separately, gather info about the harassment. Factual. Then, once the investigation involving the street abuse is concluded, you should start a complaint about your former friend.

I fear you and DH are getting caught in a situation and causing it to escalate. Step back. Let it run its course. You know there isn't a case to answer.

And I know it must be on your mind 24/7. But I think you're being a little unrealistic to expect a response to your complaint so soon. In the scheme of things, this incident and the aftermath are small fry. The officer, his superiors and the complaints team all have other jobs on their workload and it's only been a few days since this incident started.

I sincerely hope it's soon resolved and your life returns to peace.

I think the fact the officers came round heavy handed the morning after the call and incident in the street that provoked it I would have expected it to be dealt with swiftly.

I have been letting DH lead but obviously, he's not on MN.

Everything written here is 100% factual and DH has offered evidence, witnesses and anything they like. The police have gone from over reaction to, I feel, trying to make it go away by ignoring DH because it is very obvious they've been lied to.

OP posts:
Tots678 · 31/05/2023 08:54

Possibly the bad guy has some sort of hold over the officer. The officer's behaviour was crass.
PLEASE GET A RING DOORBELL OR SOME SORT OF CCTV AT YOUR DOOR
Maybe record phone calls but I'm not sure that is legal but might be useful.
The officer might have been goady to see if you or DH show angry response (not heard of this before but possible)
Stop answering wind up posts on this thread. Answer the useful ones.
It will probably peter out. It's very hard to get something to court with poor evidence and if you have witnesses how can he/they win?

The guy who is causing trouble - MUST have a record at the police station - perhaps he has outstanding complaints against officers which is making them twitchy.

Make a note of all past occurrences and of all recent events.

I would in your shoes hope it goes no further but in future make sure you have proof of the guys behaviour in case this happens again.

Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 08:56

Tots678 · 31/05/2023 08:54

Possibly the bad guy has some sort of hold over the officer. The officer's behaviour was crass.
PLEASE GET A RING DOORBELL OR SOME SORT OF CCTV AT YOUR DOOR
Maybe record phone calls but I'm not sure that is legal but might be useful.
The officer might have been goady to see if you or DH show angry response (not heard of this before but possible)
Stop answering wind up posts on this thread. Answer the useful ones.
It will probably peter out. It's very hard to get something to court with poor evidence and if you have witnesses how can he/they win?

The guy who is causing trouble - MUST have a record at the police station - perhaps he has outstanding complaints against officers which is making them twitchy.

Make a note of all past occurrences and of all recent events.

I would in your shoes hope it goes no further but in future make sure you have proof of the guys behaviour in case this happens again.

It's not goady to point out that this thread is full of identifying detail; it's really easy to work out who these people are.

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 08:58

@Sandylanes69 Does it really matter if OP is identifiable to the police? She's already said that she has said all of this to the police directly.

Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 09:02

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 08:58

@Sandylanes69 Does it really matter if OP is identifiable to the police? She's already said that she has said all of this to the police directly.

Of course it matters! She is making serious accusations against an officer. Don't you think that could be problematic, particularly if the officer is dodgy in some way? Or what if these stories are exaggerated or embellished? You don't think it matters that the OP is outing herself to the world, including her kids' schools?

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 09:07

@Sandylanes69 It's her choice if she wants to post on a public forum. If what she is saying is true then there is nothing to worry about if you are thinking in terms of defamation.

Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 09:19

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 09:07

@Sandylanes69 It's her choice if she wants to post on a public forum. If what she is saying is true then there is nothing to worry about if you are thinking in terms of defamation.

Ofc it's her choice, but I think it's a stupid and reckless choice. And if the officer is dodgy, he'll want to retaliate.

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 09:22

@Sandylanes69 If that did happen, then OP deals with him from a legal standpoint. I applaud her for taking the police to task, some of them are appalling. I've had to lay the law out for them before to get them to take action.

Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 09:24

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 09:22

@Sandylanes69 If that did happen, then OP deals with him from a legal standpoint. I applaud her for taking the police to task, some of them are appalling. I've had to lay the law out for them before to get them to take action.

I think you're being incredibly naive. If the OP just wants a quiet life, this thread is a really really bad idea.

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 09:25

@Sandylanes69 Do you work for the Police or something? All your posts have a threatening undertone.

Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 09:26

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 09:25

@Sandylanes69 Do you work for the Police or something? All your posts have a threatening undertone.

Oh for fuck's sake.

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 09:27

@Sandylanes69 Do you? Genuine question.

Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 09:27

Warning and threatening are very different things. I have no connection to law enforcement.

Hoppinggreen · 31/05/2023 09:29

Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 09:24

I think you're being incredibly naive. If the OP just wants a quiet life, this thread is a really really bad idea.

I agree @Sandylanes69
While I think it’s important to challenge what looks like inappropriate behaviour or corruption OP seems to be focusing on the wrong thing and it might be better to try and move on. Perhaps the Officer will be dealt with if they have done anything wrong but OP and her DH may get caught in the fall out.
Also, you are warning and certainly not threatening

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 09:33

Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 09:27

Warning and threatening are very different things. I have no connection to law enforcement.

I didn't say you threatened. I said your posts had threatening undertones which means something different.

Hey, I've posted about the Police on here before, I've even named the Force and I've been ok so far.

Sandylanes69 · 31/05/2023 09:35

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 09:33

I didn't say you threatened. I said your posts had threatening undertones which means something different.

Hey, I've posted about the Police on here before, I've even named the Force and I've been ok so far.

That doesn't change the fact that this thread is a Bad Idea. And it's not about you or me, so can we leave it please?

BSB30 · 31/05/2023 09:36

@Sandylanes69 Sure, no problem.

Treaclemine · 31/05/2023 10:04

I'm a bit puzzled about Sandylane's assumption that the OP is easily identifiable. Of all the population of the UK (I think we can rule out the US and Aus from spelling)? Easily identifiable if Sandylane already knows them, of course. And then is possibly outing themselves. I'd rule out most of the country, for geology, not having a sandy lane in it. There's one round here, and it only has one dwelling in it, but I don't suppose it's relevant. And Sandylane's belief that the PC is following this thread. Of all the internet, he'd look on MN? Fantasy. Ignore.

Gingernaut · 31/05/2023 10:11

He was angry though and rang the male, calling him some choice names. He did not threaten him.

Thing is, it's just his word against the nutter.

If he had gone to the police then, with the two acquaintances acting as witnesses, then he'd have something.

As it is, he took on a nutter, who now has proof that your DH contacted HIM

Never engage with him again and report all contact with him

CrackedSkull · 31/05/2023 10:18

Comefromaway · 30/05/2023 10:12

Where on earth did the OP say that she slammed the door in the officers face? She didn't, she merely shut the door which unless the officer had a warrant she is well within her rights to do.

OP, your dh can ask for a duty solicitor if he is being interviewed but you can definitely put in a formal complaint and also make a totally separate report of the incident your dh & ds suffered.

She did the right thing . If he is a policeman and she had voluntarily let him in he has the right to search her home and come in the house again if it's over the same matter . They can only come in without a warrant if they believe someone's life is in danger . She needs to file a complaint .

ApolloandDaphne · 31/05/2023 10:36

I hope you get it all sorted out very soon OP. It all sounds very stressful.

MayThe4th · 31/05/2023 10:38

Anyone agreeing with *@Sandylanes69 · Sandylanes69 ·” need to read all of their posts, oh, except for the one which was deleted because it was so horrible. But those where they have called the OP unhinged and problematic, and accused the OP’s DH of being the one in the wrong. Down to the most recent ones where they’re warning the OP that bad things might happen if she continues to press the matter. They clearly have an agenda here.

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