Repeal the Protection From Harassment Act
- by: Neil Cox
- recipient: Boris Johnson
I am not that saying I agree with harassment. But it does waste huge amounts of Police time. The 1997 Protection from Harassment Act was originally brought in to protect people from stalkers. Since it was created the act has been twisted so much that even writing two letters to your MP in a six month period constitutes harassment if your MP decides to complain. Fair complaint about your treatment by a hospital or a school – then their easy remedy is a complaint. It is important because in a free society individuals should be able to express their point of view and complaints. It is bad law. The act needs to allow for non threatening contact and not criminalise civil disputes. It would then leave the Police free to deal with true criminal cases instead of wasting their time with civil cases. I have a former friend who is serious danger and cannot warn her because of this petty law. I warned her Police that she could die, but they would not listen. They just want her dead and should be shut down for this!
Neil Cox
35 Harrow Road
Barking
IG11 7QZ
Dear Teresa May
Could you please do something that David Cameron could not be bothered to (repeal the Protection From Harassment Act)?
I am not saying I agree with it. But it wastes huge amounts of Police time. I do not think it is even serious enough to be considered a crime.
The 1997 Protection from Harassment Act was originally brought in to protect people from stalkers. Since it was created the act has been twisted so much that even writing two letters to your MP with a six month period constitutes harassment if your MP decides to complain. Fair complaint about your treatment by a hospital or a school – then their easy remedy is a complaint.
Police chasing statistics know that a conviction under the Act is easy. Don't take my word but have a look at a site operated by a barrister on the same dodgy law which has no comparable anywhere in the world.
Consider this independent barristers point of view:
"Where harassment does occur it is often difficult for the victim to prove because there may be little physical evidence of what has happened. For the same reason however it is often difficult for persons to defend themselves against false or malicious accusations of harassment behaviour".
It is important because in a free society individuals should be able to express their point of view and complaints. There are more than enough checks of balances in place. It is frightening that a family may have a perfectly reasonable row with a neighbour or a supplier or client or contractor yet face prosecution if their adversary becomes aware of the law in this regard. There have already been ridiculous prosecutions.
It is bad law. The act needs to allow for non threatening contact and not criminalise civil disputes.
So please repeal this law. I even have a former friend who is serious danger and cannot warn her because of this law. I told her Police but they would not listen. They just want her dead (should be shut down for this)!
Yours sincerely Neil Cox
By signing, you accept Care2's Terms of Service.
You can unsub at any time here.
Having problems signing this? Let us know.