Criminal Damage

[Headteacher89]

I have been accused of criminal damage to a car...if I was guilty what would happen ? I have no previous convictions but the person alleging the incident had me cautioned for harrassment...it sounds ridiculous and almost lies...but was based solely on e-mails and telephone calls....so absolutely nothing vicious or nasty...now worrying that she made this harrassment thing stick...what could happen to me ?

[ummmm]

If you were cautioned for harassment then it would be on your record.

What do you mean 'almost lies'?

[Headteacher89]

well..when I was arrested it was because I went to see her...and had sent an e-mail explaining that I knew the relationship was over but wanted to collect something...she claimed that she had never read the e-mail because she had changed her e-mail address...later i sent a message saying to this dead address....stupid stupid...but I did...thinking it would n't get through...but she sent it straight to the police and I was rearrested...but eventually let off without further charge...now she has this new thing and I feel like I'm being hounded...but what is the worst thing that can happen ?....the Police Officer said that he wants to see me in a few days time...and to interview me...but bearing in mind the fact that they didn't believe me before...what is the worst that could happen ?....I see the damage limits are somethign like £5k being more serious...and surely if what was claimed was more than that they would want to see me sooner ?...I believed and trusted the Police but now really really worry that they will believe her again....what could I get if they do ?

[ummmm]

It's hard to say. I know people who have done much worse and walked away with a fine. You're just going to have to talk to the police. If she's put in a complaint then they have to follow it up.

I take it that you didn't damage her car?

[dh001]

Headteacher, sorry are you saying you were arrested for harrassment, cautioned and then contacted her again then re-arrested?

For your info, If charged with crim dam over 5K it is (usually) heard at Crown Court, under 5k, heard at Magistrates Court.

[Headteacher89]

it sounds so stupid to say it...I was arrested and cautioned...then on the basis that the e-mail address was dead (the police stpilated this multiple times in the first interview) I sent messages expecting them to be bounced back...there was nothing at all negative or hurtful in them...but it was completely stupid....they rearrested me becuase she forwarded them on to the police...there was no charge the second time...

[angry2008]

did you damage her car?

[Headteacher89]

I know it sounds stupid because I'm not guilty...but if magistrates find me guilty what could that mean in sentencing terms ?...I'm paranoid now because of what has gone on previously

[Androcles]

Are you a a Headteacher as your pseudonym implies - will it have any implications from the General Teaching Council, if convicted?

[angry2008]

they can't do anything unless you physically harrassed her or scared her to death... if you damaged her car however, they will do something and if you did then you deserve it

[Headteacher89]

thankyou angry....very helpful...and if I didn't but they think I did ?...what could happen ?....

[Headteacher89]

GTC...yes in theory it could

[Androcles]

If your job could be on the line, get yourself to a lawyer pdq!

[dh001]

I do not wish to embarrass you, but there is something odd about how you describe this situation and how your ex's vehicle has since been damaged. I agree with Androcles in that you need legal advice.

[brenda]

As you are a Headteacher, is legal advice not available thro your professional union?

You will need them on your side if this goes to GTC.

[Headteacher89]

i know...it does sound bizarre and I've had friends query whether what I'm saying is true because it's far fetched...but it is...but what could happen to me ?

[ummmm]

Is she claiming that she witnessed you damaging her car?

[Headteacher89]

sorry if I'm not clear...just shell shocked I think....I have today been contacted by the police to say that a complaint has been made that I have damaged her car...I thought she had 'gone away' as everything else had happened in January...so this is a new accusation

[Headteacher89]

no idea...the police officer said that she (my ex) had evidence that it was me