law for mis-use of text messages

arfur · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:11

anyone know if there is a law that can be enforced against someone who is send threatening texts to someone else? these texts are in the ball park of "I'm going to kill you", " see u in hell" etc and the person recieving them is really scared as they know who it likely is. The police say that they cant do anything unless something happens... so thanks, we'll call u when this person has been attacked by a physcopathic teenager...who social services DO know has issues

MissChief · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:12

Threatening them to the extent that they are genuinely feaful of being attacked or injured is still assault under the law.

For the Police to say they can't do anything is wrong TBH. I'd imagine even if they sent an officer to have a quiet word the texts would stop.

arfur · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:15

because its PAYG they say theres nothing they can do, but we know who did have the number a few weks ago..

Amnesia · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:16

mis-use of text message

<`)))><

Danthus · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:19

Worst case, change you number.

asim18 · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:19

arfur said:
The police say that they cant do anything

Quoted for truth!

Danthus · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:20

That isn't true though is it.

asim18 · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:21

OldCoals said:
Worst case, change you number.

No. Worst case, actual physical harm is done.

Probable case, it's a silly kid with no actual intention of murdering someone.

Changing your number may stop the texts, but the person will still obviously exist.

StriderX · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:22

asim18 said:
No. Worst case, actual physical harm is done.

Probable case, it's a silly kid with no actual intention of murdering someone.

Cant really risk that with what happened in Wales with the girl that was murdered, albeit the guy who did it was a clear psychopath, but you can only make the judgement after the other person is dead, so prudence is always good.

Danthus · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:25

In nine posts we have gone from harassment to murder.

asim18 · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:26

OldCoals said:
In nine posts we have gone from harassment to murder.

The threat is to murder. :confused:

arfur said:
"I'm going to kill you"

StriderX · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:26

OldCoals said:
In nine posts we have gone from harassment to murder.

Prepare for the worst, plus its easier to imply murder in court.

Danthus · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:28

Like I said, change your number, problem solved.

arfur · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:29

ok let me put it another way...
a) the kid involved is suppose to be on socials radar, if they are I dont know
b) the kid involved lives 5 mins from the person they are texting
c) the kid involved has been seen throwing knives and heavy objects at grandparents
d) the kid involved has been bullied for years at school and is highly likely to lash out more than someone who isnt bullied

StriderX · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:29

OldCoals said:
Like I said, change your number, problem solved.

If only the world were that simple.

Al Vallario · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:29

Danthus · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:30

StriderX said:
If only the world were that simple.

Well it is isn't it really.

Danthus · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:30

Al Vallario said:
It's an offence under Section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988.

The OP should setup a Facebook page.

Al Vallario · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:32

arfur · 13 Sep 2011 at 23:32

Al Vallario said:
It's an offence under Section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988.

thanks, I'll hit the fuss with this one if they dont do anything, changing the number wont really get rid of the risk will it? they may not know the messages are being ignored...