Unfounded Accusations

[max137]

About four years ago, I was walking past this persons car when he came up to me and accused me of scratching his car which I denied as I was totally innocent. This was in broad daylight apparently a few cars had been scratched, I later found out. As we live in the same area both he and his son always ask if I am still scratching cars,the other evening I had a very angry guy knocking on my door virtually accusing me of scratching his car though he didn't confirm where he got this info from he didn't deny, that it was this person.How is the best way to put a stop to this.

[ToraToraTora]

Hit them with a slander suit.

[johnny37]

any kind of legal action is bound to be stressfull, lengthy an expensive. I would go to your local police station an talk your local liaison officer . He will have to investigate. This is not a homework question is it?

[ToraToraTora]

It's not a criminal matter, plod will not be interested. Engage a lawyer and first threaten a deformation case. The burden of "proof" such that it is in civil cases falls on the defendant, ie they must "prove" that what they say is true, if you know it is not then they will lose, thus they will withdraw. Every time you hear these accusations re issue the claim they not want all the hassle.

[hc4361]

To be able to make a claim for slander you have to show that you have suffered a financial loss or it has affected your business. You have to prove that the statements are false.

As you are irate strangers banging on your door you could tell the police it is causing you and your family alarm and / or distress and that the neighbour is harassing you. That is a criminal offence.

[johnny37]

As I said, go and see Mr Plod.

[Peter Pedant]

3T's advice is very expensive whcih is another way of saying it is ***

Dont go to law - dont instruct solicitors - dont mention defamation - it can be very expensive and really damage your wealth

other than putting a notice on your door 'I dont scratch cars' ( idea from Cold Comfort Farm where flora poste gets tired of the hands asking who let the bull out, and write on a post card 'I did, F Poste')

Just keep on saying you arent involved

I think it is time for CCTV for someone

hc is right for slander you have to show 'special damage' which makes it EVEN more difficult and makes the lawyers rub their hands even more !


even harassment I dont think will get up and run
( my neighbours are harassing me by telling third parties I am scratching cars ... ) the long term solution is CCTV - ironic if your accusers turn out to be the scratchers as well..... not unheard of

[Peter Pedant]

Inviting the enraged third party to call the police is always a good one

'If you think I have scratched your car and have proof then call the police .... '

[max137]

Thanks for all your replies I will give it some thought on how I plan to proceed.

[Peter Pedant]

odd
I have been thinking as well
after four years in your area - there is someone still scratching cars ....

I think CCTV will be the only way out ....

[Jackdaw33]

I like the idea of a 'deformation' case!

[Peter Pedant]

Hi Jack o god I didnt do deformation did I
checks anxiously

odd very odd that someone is still asking the same boring question after four years
and cars are still being scratched [ usually young kids and they grow up thank good ]

it is a bit of an aggressive act where I live because it costs so much to undo ( about a thou for a respray innit )

I mean the answer is - someone should get CCTV and put it on Nasty neighbours - Jeremy Doo dah....

[Jackdaw33]

No, it was Tora.

[lcg]

is probably the accuser scratching cars as he seems a little obsessed with it! report harassment to the police, keep records, get cctv in front of your house and learn how to record things on your phone for future confrontations (as evidence).