Has abyone checked an ex partner's criminal record? How do you do it?

[SurferRosa]

I've been scaring myself reading articles about ex partners who turn violent...I know my ex has a record, but it was a long time back and he wouldn't tell me the details. He also has a firearms license and keeps guns, for sport/hunting.
Is there an easy, anonymous way to find out what he was locked up for in the past? I'd appreciate any help/experiences.

TIA x

Sorry, should say anyone am one finger typing while feeding baby!!

No, there isn't. Only employers have access to this info. If I were you I would keep as far away from him as possible.

I havent a clue but surely if it was for something violent he wouldnt have got a firearms lisence, or is that naive of me?

It's public records, Freedom on Information Act and all that.

You could hire a PI, too.

and was he ever violent to you? why are you so scared, just because of 'others' stories?

tbh, i would be concerned as to why he wont tell you. ive never dreamed of getting anyone checked out in this way. if i had any doubt, they wouldnt be here. someone might come along later to help you if you need it, but i dont know any legal way yet.

My ex admitted he was once tried for a very serious offense.

So I put my research skills to work at a library and found out a whole lot more.

what it expat

Death by dangerous driving.

oh dear

Knowing what I did about him - he was the one who, when I told his mum we'd split, the FIRST reply she made was, 'Has he hit you?' - I think the only reason he was acquitted is because the other side of the story wasn't around to tell her side of the story .

Cor blimey, thanks for all the replies...didn't expect to get anything yet! So was off browsing ex-MIL threads

I am only scared because I was reading about stalkers and exes in Cosmo, there were a few with criminal records etc. and I began to wonder what he actually did.

I asked him many times in the 8 months we were together, first he refused to say, made a joke of it...after about 6 months I got a story about his mother running a cannabis factory, so it wasn't his fault...then after we broke up,i asked him again and he said it was for ringing motorbikes when he was 18. (he's 40 now).

I have since realised that many of the things he used to say were total BS, so would love to know the truth...

Also in case he tries to get access/custody later and I might need some backup iyswim.

Probably true about the firearms license, but as that was something he said to me when I was asking, I cannot feel sure that that is necessarily the case in this instance...he might be lying about any of it.

How did you find out stuff, Expat?

Oh - he was never violent to me, just emotional and mental abuse, unhinged behaviour, mild harrassment etc.

But I didn't stay long enough for it to get worse...I think it would have.

I went to the library and researched newspaper articles from his 'case'. He'd told me where it happened and the date, so it wasn't too hard to find. Or the coverage of the trial, either.

And from there I just did a bit more research.

But it's easy enough to pay a PI to do a check for you.

My ex was emotionally and verbally abusive.

Apparently, he'd gotten physical with more than one girlfriend.

God. What an awful shock for you. I wasn't 'allowed' to speak to his ex, and although I know where she works, I wouldn't dare as she might tell his older kids and then he'd be on my case again...

I heard you could do an online check, if you pay some organisation to let you see public records or something? I heard it was fairly cheap, not sure I could afford a 'private dick' atm.

Thanks for your help

I am surprised you say it is public info expat as when I have attempted to get info on dangerous individuals (eg to do with my job)the police have told colleagues and I that we do not have a right to such info even though we have to make decisions as to whether someone is safe enough to be released into the public.