A strange and disturbing question.

[spiralsun]

I would really appreciate any help on this subject.

My husband has out of the blue been accused of physically and sexually abusing his younger brother when they were children.

My husband has had no contact with his brother in years. Then this weekend out of the blue we receive a stream of emails accusing my husband of "ruining his life" with this apparent sexual abuse. We are all shocked and devastated. Having spoken to his sister, the situation is that my brother in law is an alcoholic and has abused cannabis for over 20 years. He is also suffering from mental health problems. He regukarly rings my mother in law threatening suicide and asking for money. They are on holiday this week so we cannot speak to them as they are the only ones who keep in contact with him.

We have tried to be sympathetic as we know he has a lot of issues, however my husband has never sexually or otherwise abused him. Also we cannot allow this man to spread this kind of poisonous lies about my husband, even if he really believes it happened.We have informed the Police about this but there is nothing they can do. Strangely my brother in law is desperate for us not to contact the authorities. He adamantly insists my husband sexually abused him and is angry that he won't admit it. We are trying to ignore him and are aware he is not well but this is really stressful for us and also for our kids who unfortunatel have stumbled on one of his emails.

Is there any legal approach we can take to stop this?

[CAJ1]

I'm sorry to hear that. If he becomes a nuisance and keeps pestering you then you could get an order out against him so he can't contact you. I know he's having trouble but its maybe for the best until he sorts himself and his malicious lies out. Good luck

[Ethel]

You don't know the facts, spiralsun. Only your husband and brother know the truth.

He could blame the abuse as the cause of his lack of contact, drug problem and lifestyle.

Your husband could get an injunction, but really it is best ignored.

[spiralsun]

I think I know my husband. I would stake my life that he is entirely innocent. I didn't ask for your opinion on my husband's innocence I asked for advice on where we stand legally.

[redcrx]

ethel is right though, you dont know exactly what went on unless you were there.

get an injunction against him.

[Ethel]

I have not given an opinion either way. I don't know the facts.

I stand by what I said - it was meant to be helpful.

You or your husband take legal action against him and it could all become very nasty indeed.

[Abdulmajid]

Wouldn't bother with an injunction. They are expensive and less they have an arrest clause written in to them they are basically worthless.

And why bother when the local cop shop will do a similar thing for free??

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1997/ukpga_199 70040_en_1

Report it as a crime and go armed with the knowledge in the act.