I feel Completely lost

[Casehardened]

I mean if they could of charged me by now I'm sure they would of.

Surplus

You're quite correct, somewhere in PACE it states that as soon as there is enough evidence to charge that this must happen.

[surplusyew]

You're quite correct, somewhere in PACE it states that as soon as there is enough evidence to charge that this must happen.

which makes me feel somewhat more confident in it resulting in an nfa. I mean I know it could go to charge but Its what helps me get through the days so I will remain optimistic

[Franticwithworry]

You're absolutely right in what 'shouldn't' happen, but at the moment we have to live with what 'does' happen.

You're also right about things going to the bottom of the pile while the police get on with the newer and/or stronger cases that are more likely to get a conviction. It shouldn't take 6 months to interview a witness, but the police tell us that they are still searching for witnesses over a year down the line and to expect things to still take much longer. So there's always the chance that charges will come when people have been on bail for a very long time. Unfortunately I think that things are going to get worse in terms of waiting time, not better, when the new Act comes into law next year.

That said, if people like us get together and campaign for reforms, really campaign hard, something might get done to change public opinion and police/CPS policy. But that's for when all this is done.

In the meantime, lives are on hold and for some lives ruined, while those with malicious agendas have a field day. It's beyond unfair, it's absolutely wrong, but the wheels of change turn slowly.

Edited to add - remaining optimistic is absolutely key. You are right on that, and also right that if they had enough evidence you'd be charged by now - so they don't. That's key too.

[justanotherday]

Hi Surplusyew

Just been reading your story and we are in a similar situation - also in South Devon.

My hubbys sister has accused him of rape and abuse between the ages of 10 - 18 (his age) - he has been charged on 6 allegations. Arrested and bailed May 2016, charged December 2016, case went to CPS October 2016.

We are ready for the fight, all family is behind us.

Will keep an eye out for your updates - I cannot believe the amount of FA cases that make it to court, I'd be interested to see a victims statement from a true case to compare!

keep strong xx

[surplusyew]

Well that's another day done. I hate this and the way its making me feel again. I'm so up and positive one minute and then I get moments of dread where I cant function normally. It makes me feel so low. I feel like I'm mentally ill half the time.

I contacted Nunn rickard solicitors today to see about them taking on my case which they will but if I want their involvement pre charge it would have to private client as my current solicitor would have got the legal aid. So ill see if I can raise the money I need for them to take it on. I mean they are specialists who can advise me on what ive got and don't have and hopefully they can up the pressure on the police to actually do something, Not that I expect they will do anything.

OIC wasn't in the office again today when I called so will wait until the weekend now and try again. All I want to know is whether its been put to the gatekeeper yet and if its going to the cps or not.

I mean its not a lot to ask surely, my life is in tatters and all I want is to be able to focus on my new job and get my life back on track like it was before hand. Fingers crossed something will happen soon.

On another no to those who are local to me that have commented on this thread, my deepest symphonies are with you and I cant imagine what your going through (although I may soon find out) when it goes to trial I would be more than happy to take a few days off work to come and provide some moral support. I hope its not going to take too much longer for you I really do. However if your case is anything to go by I might not even get charged until Febuarary which is depressing to say the least.

I hope everybody going through this has the right outcome soon,

Surplus

[Franticwithworry]

No, surplus, it's not a lot to ask and I hope to goodness that you get some news after the weekend.

It's awful, feeling so up and down all the time, I know. When people, including the police, say and think that it's no big deal being on bail when you are innocent, that all will come right in the end, they have no idea of the trauma that your brain suffers dealing with such an unthinkable thing as a false accusation.

Have you spoken to your doctor about how you are feeling? Your mental health is so important. You aren't mentally ill with an identifiable mental illness as such, but that doesn't mean that you aren't suffering severe mental distress. Counselling helps some; temporary prescription medication can help others. Please consider asking your doctor for some help. I say often - there's no shame in it, you don't have to divulge all the details, and doctors are generally unshockable. You may find yours to be very supportive and helpful. Don't suffer like this without at least considering all the alternatives.

[Rights Fighter]

Surplusyew

I contacted Nunn rickard solicitors today to see about them taking on my case which they will but if I want their involvement pre charge it would have to private client as my current solicitor would have got the legal aid. So ill see if I can raise the money I need for them to take it on. I mean they are specialists who can advise me on what ive got and don't have and hopefully they can up the pressure on the police to actually do something, Not that I expect they will do anything.

SY you don't need to pay them anything. There is not a fat lot they can do without any disclosure.

Most of what sols do pre charge is to listen to the client and make the appropriate soothing noises, or to just call to check if there is an update. That would be a waste of money, because if there is an update as in NFA or charge, they will let you know.

Just hold on in there. If it's an NFA you can breath a sigh of relief. If it's a charge, go straight to NR who will apply for LA.

[Fusiondoe]

Hi Sy

Just been reading your story here and I have one reply to it all.

I hope you prove your innocence and expose this junkie piece of **** and they throw the book at her.

Sorry mods

[surplusyew]

well that's Christmas done and dusted, but still no progression on my case, I think ill get rebailed when I answer bail next week

[Fusiondoe]

well that's Christmas done and dusted, but still no progression on my case, I think ill get rebailed when I answer bail next week

The most important thing is... How was your Xmas, did you enjoy it?

I did my best and I had some good moments... but that all too familiar feeling of dread hit me once or twice

[surplusyew]

Hello Everyone,

Its been a while since I have updated but here it goes,

I had my bail cancelled just before Christmas and have been discharged by social services and I am allowed home and everything is seemingly back to normal,

I found out my sister pretty much has ignored the police since making the initial complaint and they haven't done anything really which is why my bail was cancelled. However its still not over and the investigation is still continuing.

I spoke to the OIC this morning who has told me she should have news within a week as shes waiting on just one more thing which she applied for some time ago.

Ive heard that before though. Nearly at the 1 year mark now

[depressed182]

Hang on in there. I still do not know how I'm here today.

Every time I read these threads now it makes my stomach churn.

There is always hope. When I felt like I wanted to leave everything behind I would look at a picture of my kids to give me a glimpse of hope.

Its only been a few weeks after my trial and I still think I will have to live with this forever.

All I know now is that justice has been served and it will be for you too. At times I doubted that the legal system will see through her lies. But they honestly do.

Stay strong.

[surplusyew]

I feel a bit bad for not having updated this thread but here it goes. Eventually after having the bail cancelled and months of calling the OIC everyday they eventually NFA'd the case. It turns out after the allegation was made she didn't cooperate with the police at all and wouldn't speak to them and all that time the police were trying to contact her! So I was literally torn away from my family and arrested and treating like the scum of society for no reason at all. The police did nothing to her at all. She wasted their time and ruined my life for no reason other than this BS allegation which she obviously made for no reason.

The whole affair ended up costing me £12,000 in expenses because I was having to keep up work whilst paying for 2 houses, feed all my kids and clothe them, My partener couldn't drive so school runs were done by taxi everyday. Its not fair but I'm certainly glad the whole affair is over.

The thing that was worst for me was the way I got treated by social services and the things they had to speak to my kids about. They should never have to of heard most of that at the age they were. In the end it took a full 12 months before I could actually move back home. It took a long time for me to go back to normal. I lost 3 jobs overall. Why? Because I was upfront with all of them about my situation and the allegation that was made. Some people still stick with the whole no smoke without fire principle. Ive lost some friends over this too, Clearly they weren't worth having as friends.

But now its getting better and im slowly getting back into family affairs. It can be pretty weird at the same time but you do get used to it. The best advice I can give is just to stay strong and have faith in the legal system. Although the fundamental process is completely flawed it does work in the end. Generally. I also think that we need to end the whole if someone accuses another the police have to arrest them to gather evidence etc etc. Its ridiculous. I always explain it to others by pointing out someone at random, then saying they just called the police and accused you of rape. Then the police will come and arrest you for it even if you dont know who they are or have never spoke to them as its their job!

Oh and I got a full enhanced DBS check come back completely clear as well.

I apologise for not updating this but ive done it now so if anyone is in a similar situation they will hopefully get something out of this thread.

[Franticwithworry]

Whooppee!!!! What great news!! No need for an apology for not updating sooner. Better late than never, huh? I'm just glad it's all done for you. It's scandalous that it took so long to get SS out of the picture, but there seem to be no logic where they are concerned.

I'm glad to hear about the DBS check too and I'm thrilled to break out the customary bananas.

[Casehardened]

Well done for surviving the ordeal and thanks for letting us know the outcome and best wishes for the future