Defemation Of Character

[birdyd]

I have been arrested on suspicion of theft - there is little to no evidence. I have never been arrested or been in trouble with police previously. My previous employers claim that I stole money - the police arrested me and searched my home. After 4 weeks I have been advised that the case has been dropped and no case to answer, however my name as I was a Bank Manager has been slurred and bad mouthed - is there a case to claim 'Defermation of character' against my previous employer who made the allegation

[Ethel]

Who was your former employer been telling of the arrest?

Was the arrest after you left the job?

Defamation of character is hard to prove.

[Schutzengel]

I 'm sorry you are in this mess, but I think you would have
to be a bit more specific. Either, there is little evidence, or there is no evidence. It can't be both.
It's quite hard to prove defamation of character, and if you took the company to court, and lost the case, it would probably turn out to be very expensive, if not ruinous.
My best advice would be to see a solicitor, and give him as much detail as possible. Some solicitors do a free half-hour of advice, but if you can't find one of those. It shouldn't be too expensive for a consultation. As a Bank Manager you should reasonably expect to have good reputation. You don't say whether you have a new job already, or whether you are out of work due to this claim against you which was subsequently dropped. Good Luck.

[happyjo]

How was the defamation made? by word of mouth - slander or, in written form - libel?

Have you been to the police and obtained written confirmation that the charges have been dropped?

I know this situation must be awful, but a retaliatory court action to clear your name may do your reputation even more harm ( even though you are entitled to your day in court)

More info would be helpful to give you more accurate advice

j x

[cassa333]

Expencive to do and tricky to prove.

I think I read somewhere (not sure of its validity though) that if you work with money your employer can dissmiss you if they think fraud or theft of money is involved. I can't see how this works with employment law so may not be true...

You haven't said if you did it or not just that there was little to no evidence. .... What was the 'little' evidence found? obviously not enough to go to court but was it enough for your exemployer to think seriously about it?