Slander and deformation of character

[pitstopbunny]

This is one for all you legal brains out there. A neighbour has recently accused me of stealing the sum of �500 from her, she has even involved the police, who had a chat with me. She's an alcoholic, with a lot of problems, psychiatrists etc, so the police officer was sypathetic towards me. She has now also been telling all the neighbours that I am a thief - have I got a case of slander/deformation of character - even if it is just to scare her off. She has also threated to kill me and burn my house down - although, thankfully I am moving home this coming weekend. Any ideas??

[gary baldy]

Dont know the true legalities of it but if this woman is making threats then surely a restraining order or an asbo is in order.
I think the least of your worries is slander - if you can back up these threats then she is using threatening behaviour and therefore the police should be involved.

[andy-hughes]

If you are moving, I'd be inclined to let this go. Anyone who takes this woman seriously is unlikely to be anyone who's opinion is going to matter to you in the future.

[pitstopbunny]

Thanks guys. I have reported it to the police, although I have told them I do not want to take it any further unless she causes more problems or threatens me again. At least there is something on file in case things escalate and they are aware of the situtaion - Roll on Saturday, when I move away from this neighbourhood!

[WoWo]

I think you made the best decision, telling the police the situation without taking it further puts you in a good position. If you are leaving at the weekend as has been said I'd slip away as quitely as possible.

[Mudman]

There's a good chance that, without evedence, this'll be thrown out of court (if it gets that far). As far as the "telling the neighbours" are concerned.. You can only persue a civil "slander" case if there is evedence of untruth.

You could actually have to prove that it was not true.

I'm sure the neighbours understand the relationship with alcoholics and money. �500 and five weeks can be mislaid with similar ease.

Mind you... �500 would come in handy, if you were moving house..... hmmmmm.

[pitstopbunny]

Luckily, I am in rented accomodation so there aren't really any costs involved, my current deposit is being tranfered over etc and the rent is the same. The only costs is a van and my father has paid that for me - I plead Not guilty!

[WendyS]

If you are moving, I'd be inclined to let things go. The important thing was to tell the police. Then if she starts to make allegations about other neighbours, there is something on record. I'm afraid the trouble with alcoholics is that a lot of the time they're so drunk that they don't know what they doing and can't remember how they've spent their money. It probably all disappeared on booze.

[pitstopbunny]

Oh, I know it does, she drinks 5-6 bottles of white wine a day - I've been collecting the empties & she smokes 60 cigs a day, that's not to mention the dope that she 'eats' - yes I did say eat!!!