In response to Becky's earlier posting to the CGF, I would like to agree
with her that the anonymity of the offender is extremely frustrating (I
guess that's where a civil action under the Protection From Harassment
Act can come in - i.e. a lower level of proof is required). It is also
very tempting to hire a private detective to investigate the case
further. There are two stumbling blocks to this possible avenue - one,
as Becky suggested, is the cost. On average, a private detective's
charges are about £150 per day, plus expenses. Depending on the length
of the investigation, the cost could be enormous. Secondly, to present
evidence in court, the police would have to use the information provided
by the private detective as intelligence and attempt to corroborate it.
This may prove diffiult (although not necessarily impossible).
The most plausible route is, probably, to encourage the Force concerned
to invest further in the case - particularly if the harassment is
on-going. Further investigative personnel may be brought onto the case
- particularly as Gill represents a young woman living in fear. Such
issues are treated extremely seriously by Police Forces.
Not sure if this helps or just contributes a little further to the
debate surrounding this horrific case.
Kay.
Dr. Kay Graham.
Surrey Police Headquarters.
Guildford.
GU3 1HG
Telephone: +44 (0)1483 482043
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