Help please - Section 4a of the Public Order Act

[Afu]

I am an idiot! I have been charged with Section 4a of the Public Order Act and I need to appear in Manchester Court in 2 weeks.

The event happened about 2 months ago.

I am gardener with my own business and I had a problem with a customer who had recently had a stroke and he was not happy with my work. I went around to see him and all though he had paid me for labour time, I wasnt happy and in front of 4 witnesses I threatned him 3 times and told him I would be back to burn down his house and other properties and I would come back with a gang of lads and break in and do this.

I didnt know it at the time but he called the police. When then interviewed me I denied it and made up a story of that I meant that I would get a gang of lads to take goods etc on the second inteview I denied it again and they charged me. My mate was also with me at the time who also heard this wont get involved and I wont give his name.

I intent to plead not guilty but I dont have any solictor yet. What is the best outcome and should I plea not guilty or not as I think the courts could get busy or reduce the charge and I think at best I will just get a fine?

I hate to lose at anything!

[B00]

I fail to see how you can expect to get away with pleading not guilty when infront of witnesses you threatened him?

On top of that you changed your story, not once- but twice?

Beggars belief!

[bigbanana]

Don't drop the soap in the showers!

[bigbanana]

.....and never bend down to pick it up!

[jno]

get a very good lawyer and have a very sad story to tell the court to explain your daft behaviour (with proof that it's true, this time); and don't get your hopes up.

[Afu]

So if I plead guilty what can expect?

The customer had a stroke so there is no way he can remember but it was said in front of my wife and a taxi driver and another labourer but it was said on his driveway and not in the his house.

The bottom line is that I was upset at the time 'cos he ended the contract and I know it is wrong...I have a business to run.

Dont really think I will need to take toothbrush, it cant be that bad. A fine I expept.

[Afu]

sorry, had a drink as I only got charged last night. His wife who by the way was ok with everything until he didnt like the work and refused to extend.

[Afu]

its only a pubic order offence afterall!

I am asking what are my options and expection that is all considering everything?

[Afu]

Section 4a of the Public Order Act covers a lot?

[Afu]

again, how serious? I am not looking for sympathy but legal advise.

[B00]

rofl, it's just as well you're not after sympathy isn't it?

Seriously though, I really think only a solicitor can advise you of what the possible outcome could be. I won't wish you well as I honestly don't think you should get off as likely as you'd like!

[Afu]

no

[ummmm]

This has to be a wind up. No decent person would threaten to burn a stroke victims house down...surely???

[Afu]

I told you I am an idiot, I know. I actually did say to him was that I would burn his house, shed and summer house down but I didnt mean it but I was really mad at the time. he asked me if I was going to pay him and he told me that he had made a payment but would not tell me what and I wanted to make sure I got all my money that was owed.

I admit that I could have handled it better and wrote to him or something but I wanted to make sure I got the money before I left. I olny relaised that I said all this in front of others. It gets worse as I went to a police station to accuse him of hassement the next night as I was emailing him asking for an invoice but the police told me it was a civil matter and then I was arrested the following week anyway for this.

The police said that they werent fooled and that there were 4 witnesses.

Ok...as I said I have been an idiot...my family are very upset.

How bad can this be?