Can My Friend Be Prosecuted Under An Old Law

[gordiescotland1]

I have a friend who I have known for years and he has been in touch with me freaking out. 28 years ago he had a relationship with someone for 6 months who was 16 at the time and he was 21. It was completely consensual I remember him vaguely and they were always very happy together until the younger one started stealing money from him and taking things from his house so he ended it. He now has had messages on facebook from him telling him that he could prosecute him under the old law because at the time it was illegal. It is not now it was changed to equal age of 16 in 2001, 10 years after the relationship dissolved. I am very suspicious of his motives and I have told my friend to be very careful especially if money is mentioned in the messages. Yesterday it was hinted at with his ex saying that he wasnt keen to go down the legal route and they could come to some agreement to suit both sides. That sounds a bit dodgy. Could he be prosecuted under an old law?

[Buenchico]

I can't find any definitive legal references.

However, even if it's technically possible for a prosecution to take place under a repealed Act, it couldn't happen without the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions (or of the Procurator Fiscal, as appropriate) and, quite simply, that wouldn't be given in the circumstances that you've described.

[gordiescotland1]

thank you I thought this was likely to be the case. I think my friend should block him on facebook I have a feeling this is some kind of attempt to ask for money.

[pixie374]

Does the ex actually have any proof of any of this? He will need some extremely convincing evidence.

[gordiescotland1]

No and he stated how sorry he was for doing hurtful things and how much he had always cared for him. When my friend said that he forgave him but didnt want to reconcile or meet up face to face as he now has a new partner the next day he started saying all this stuff. And he has that in writing I told him to print it off.

[pixie374]

Yes. I think he should just block him.

[gordiescotland1]

I've just had an email from my friend just now saying that he has unfriended him and blocked all further contact from him. I am so relieved many years ago he had a reputation for borrowing money of people and never returning it, then moving on to a new town once people were fed up with him. Maybe I am getting cynical as I am getting older

[johnk]

He's looking for a payoff which will never end.

[waterboatman]

Well shot of him.

[Peter Pedant]

block and wait