Threatening Behaviour?

[ed26]

A friend of mine is unhappy in job. In a meeting, he started writing the reasons he disliked it. As this involves some of the people he works with, he listed names and things he dislikes about them.

Below this list, he wrote 'if I keep doing this I'll kill someone'.

At the end of the meeting, he threw the paper in the bin and forgot about it. Unfortunately, someone found the note and passed it around the people mentioned.

He has been given a written warning by his employer for unprofessional behaviour but has also been informed that one of the people mentioned may go to the police.

He is mortified as he never intended to make anyone feel threatened and didn't even want anyone to read it.

As I know a little about the law, he's asked me what could happen.

It sounds like a possible breach of section 5 of the public order act but I'm unsure because he didn't intend to cause distress, didn't consider the risk of causing distress and didn't display anything, it was found accidentally.

I'm unsure if the police will prosecute and would appriciate anyone's viewpoint on whether the police will take the action further and what his chances would be in front of the magistrate.

[AlBags]

A threat was never offered or presented, was it? It was binned.
I can't see what is worth pursuing. No case.

[boxtops]

It does depend on the nature of his job, it was unprofessional to write that and leave it in the office, however unintentionally. He needs to look at the policies relating to HR in his place of work, and whether, whether he meant it or not, this could be construed as threatening to his colleagues. He might not have meant it but he did it.

[AlBags]

I agree with Box on the work situation. They own the paper and the bin rubbish, etc, etc.
That would constitute threatening behaviour and attract a reprimand or dismissal.

[ed26]

Thanks for the answers. They all seem to relate to the place of employment.

As far as I know, that's settled through a written warning. He's really worried about police involvement. I would assume that none of you see that as very likely?

[sara3]

sorry to be negative (and completely OTT!) but what about terrorist bombers who are stopped before the act is done? they've not "directly" threatened anyone, but the threat is there.

anyway, your friend should be more careful. I'd be upset if I found my name on someone's "hit list", serious or not.. and with a list of dislikes to justify the reasoning.

very odd behaviour.

[dothawkes31]

How does this 'friend' come across to you? Have you known him long enough to see a change in his behavior or perosnality, could he be suffering from depression or delusion in any way? Has he actally discussed his worrries about his job and has he ever said anything that you considered suggested bullying in the workplace that might constitute mitigating circmstances?

[scotman]

It seems to me that if your friend is so unhappy at work then stayed is very foolish regardless of whether the firm are wiling to let him.

[scotman]

^ .....is willing to...

[27082002]

Hi, tell your friend not to worry. If the other person goes to the Police and the Police come round to see him. They will try to get him to accept a Caution. Tell your friend to refuse this and Never, Never go to a Police Station without a good solicitor. Has your friend admitted to writing this threat? Or did he sign the threat? If he did neither just do not admit to it. Then quote to the Police. 'It is a Civil matter'

[sara3]

27082002, do you have a legal background?

[VHG]

A bit strange that someone went through the contents of a bin.

People dont normally search the contents of a bin.

Makes you wonder if there is more to this than meets the eye.