Car set on fire - asked but did not get solicitor

Mark27

Hi, so basically my friends car was set on fire on new years eve by a guy who we both sort of know. The cops arrested him about 50 yards from the car, he was found with glass on his jacket from the car and we know it was him. Although he did not admit it to the cops.

Anyway he txted my friend a couple of nights after, and my friend was txting him back asking him why did he do it? And he kept denying it despite what my friend said to him.

He then said that when he was arrested, he had been held for 12 hours and got his custody extended by 6. He said he asked to speak to a solicitor just before the initial 12 hours ran out. The cops were unable to get one for him, (it would have been new years day), custody got extended and interrogation continued this time by two detectives. He is now claiming that he spoke to his solicitor since and has been told he might get the whole thing struck out because of the fact that he was not provided with legal advice.

Does anybody know if this is true? He burnt out an 06 golf, insurance cant be claimed and my mate is out a good few pound. He surely cant walk away with this can he?

Also he claimed (txting my mate) that the cops figured out some way to get into his phone, they couldnt get into the phone book but they could read his messages. I think they could access the phone but not the sim card. The guards did this without his premission. Are they allowed to do this does anyone know?

Also in the last couple of days, somebody has mentioned to my friend that he should not have txted the accused back at all. That that is reason to get charges struck out. Can anybody shed some light on the situtation thanks?

seamus

Your mate should get a solicitor's advice.

The criminal and civil aspects of this are separate. Even if the criminal case is struck out, your mate can take a civil case against the accused and sue him for damages.

There are a number of reasons why a case against someone could fail, but without specifics there's no way anyone here can tell you whether the case will go through or not. And you can't give specifics here because it might undermine any criminal investigation.

As I say, tell your mate to stop speaking to this guy or interacting with him in any way, shape or form and to hire his own solicitor for advice.

MagicSean

Why can the insurance not pay out?

Hooch

k_mac wrote: »

Why can the insurance not pay out?

Because something smells fishy about the whole post.....

seamus

k_mac wrote: »

Why can the insurance not pay out?

Could be third-party only insurance.

FreudianSlippers

As previously mentioned, seeking legal advice is the best course of action.