How Long To Wait?

[Scarlett]

My friend was accused of a crime (rape) which supposedly took place 3 years ago. On getting the phone call from the police, he immediately went to station to answer questions. The police lady said that he would hear more in a week. In the meantime he was told not to talk to a couple of people (his friends) who were witnesses. That was six weeks ago and still nothing from the police. What should he do now? Contact the police again or sit tight and wait? It's really horrible not knowing. Many thanks.

[Bonkers123]

The police are obviously investigating this still,they can keep him waiting as long as they want .You haven't said if they charged him,bailed him,what are they doing regarding the allegations ?

[Peter Pedant]

I think he sits and waits

[Scarlett]

Nothing since the interview. No charge, no bail, just the initial interview.

[New Judge]

The Home Secretary is currently trying to restrict the time people can be kept on police bail to a month or so. However, this will not help your friend as he is not on bail.

Basically he will just have to sit tight. The "advice" he was given not to talk to certain people is not binding. Of course he should not plot with them to pervert the course of justice but provided he does not do that there is nothing to prevent him speaking to them. If the police want to formally prevent him doing so they will have to arrange for him to be granted conditional bail.

[Scarlett]

Thank you. Yes, they did tell him not to speak to his friend which is making things very tricky as they need to work together soon!

[lcg]

he can see and talk to his friend - it is a free country! he is not on bail and has no restrictions, so as long as he does not conspire with the friend to change evidence or collude in some way, that is fine. if i were him, i would see the friend if i wanted to, but would not bring the subject up at all. if it is lies and rubbish, it will be shown to be that soon, however, it will be unpleasant for him waiting and not knowing. i wish you and him all the best.

[Scarlett]

Thank you lcg