intimidation/Harrasment

Walker34

Hi,
a friend of mine has, for some time, been experiencieng intimidation and harrasment from a person, who in my opinion ,is seriously mentally deranged.

The friend gives tuition in computers and has been doing so for about 9 years. About 2 years ago a student joined the class, completed a course ,and returned for a follow up.

About a year ago my friend started getting phone calls and when he would answere the phone no, one would answere him, although there would be sombody on the other end. In total on investigation he has recieved over 120 calls on his mobile. He has also recieved emails which ,initially,could have been from anyone, but,over time, became more cryptic and disturbing as the went on. In one mail he said "Im in a class" which made it very worrying indeed. He was quite menacing and he eventually identified himself through an email.

Its very complicated with a mixture of threatening and intimidating texts and emails involved, but my friend finally went to the police this week.

What I really need to know is what is the most prudent approach to dealing with this issue. Should he contact a solicitor at this stage or will the police deal with it. What pressure can he bring to bear to get protection from this worringly deranged person. There is not enough space here to give even a sample of the kind on messages he has been getting.

I dont want to divulge any further detail in case it becomes a legal case in the courts.....hence the scant details.

A 'friend' you say?

If they know who it is confront them.

Sempai

I'd leave it for the Gardai to deal with, as long as your friend keeps a record of all calls/texts and emails received and keep the investigating member updated if the harassment persists.

Walker34

Its not until you or a friend comes up against one of thees loonies that you appreciate how unnerving the experience can be. This has escalated over an 18 month period to a point where there are frequent death wishes expressed in the messages. There is an obvious obsession at work here.....its a chronic situation and while the police do a reasonably good job under most circumstances mistakes are frequently made.

Can any pressure be brought to bear with the authorities to properly investigate such cases, rather than waiting for an incident to occur. Already the gardai said they would pay the perpetrator a visit, but subsequently changed that to phoning him. i find that unbelievable........a phone call hardly sends a firm message.

I have suggested he contact a solicitor to monitor progress and ensure he gets an acceptable level of support from the police as well as to ensure he takes prudent steps for future possible litigation.

Zambia

Here this would be a good model for an intervention order. Like a restraning order is there an Irish order ?