Lancashire Police face Judicial Review for refusing to investigate a serious 18-month campaign of harassment, stalking, and malicious communication. This decision is now subject to the judicial review process as the application has been submitted. After months of inaction and failure to follow the pre-action protocol, the victim had no choice but to seek legal recourse. Lancashire Police suggested using the police complaints system instead of judicial review. This suggestion, however, only delayed justice. The victim has now challenged the force’s decision through an application for judicial review.
A Relentless Campaign of Criminal Behaviour Ignored
Since March 2023, the victim endured a targeted campaign causing alarm, distress, and anxiety. The suspect published over 37 malicious articles on their website, alongside harmful social media posts. These actions were aimed at humiliating the victim through false accusations and personal attacks. This behaviour clearly amounts to harassment and stalking under UK law, designed to cause psychological harm.
Lancashire Police dismissed the victim’s complaints, claiming the conduct did not meet the criminal threshold. Their refusal to act prolonged the victim’s suffering and raised doubts about their ability to protect individuals. By suggesting the police complaints system as an alternative, the police demonstrated a lack of understanding of the law and their responsibilities.
Lancashire Police’s Disregard for Protocol
The victim’s attempts to seek justice were delayed further when Lancashire Police failed to respond meaningfully to the pre-action letter. Rather than addressing the refusal to investigate, the police advised filing a complaint through their internal process with PSD. This suggestion was inappropriate, as the complaints process does not review such decisions.
With no other options, the victim applied for judicial review. The application argues that Lancashire Police’s refusal to investigate was both unlawful and unreasonable. The review will now assess whether the police acted within their legal duties and whether they followed correct procedures.
Failure to Uphold Crime Recording Guidelines
Lancashire Police’s failure to act highlights a serious disregard for Home Office Counting Rules (HOCR), which outline how to investigate crimes like harassment and stalking. These rules require reasonable lines of inquiry in cases involving ongoing, distressing conduct. Despite clear evidence, Sergeant 5639 Pugh failed to assess the case or conduct a thorough investigation.
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 is clear: repeated behaviour causing alarm, distress, or anxiety is a criminal offence. Despite overwhelming evidence, the police neglected their duty, allowing the suspect to continue their campaign. This failure leaves the victim trapped in distress, unable to escape the harassment that has lasted over 18 months.
A Breach of Human Rights
The refusal to investigate also breaches the victim’s fundamental human rights. Articles 3 and 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998 protect individuals from inhumane treatment and guarantee respect for private life. By ignoring clear evidence, Lancashire Police left the victim vulnerable to further harm. Their inaction reveals a serious failure to protect the public from criminal behaviour.
A Cynical View of Lancashire Police’s Priorities
Lancashire Police’s refusal to investigate raises concerns about their priorities, possibly being vindictive to the victim. The suspect has a history of malicious behaviour, yet the police downplayed the seriousness of this case. Their suggestion to use the police complaints process instead of judicial review shows their unwillingness to take responsibility.
This cynical approach leaves victims of harassment without justice. Even with overwhelming evidence, victims cannot rely on the police for protection. This undermines public confidence in the force’s ability to uphold the law and protect against serious harm.
Conclusion
Lancashire Police’s refusal to investigate this clear case of criminal harassment and stalking is now under judicial review and is a matter of Public Interest.
Their inaction prolongs the victim’s suffering and raises questions about their competence. The police’s handling of this case shows a shocking disregard for both the law and their duty to protect the public. Until these crimes are addressed, victims of harassment will continue to suffer, and public confidence will erode.
The public deserves better. Lancashire Police must be held accountable for their failure to act.
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