Harassment

Harassment occurs when somebody pursues a course of conduct on two or more occasions that amounts to harassment – not the most helpful definition in the world. But, Parliament has intentionally left the definition of what is or is not harassment wide open.

In practice, the court must ask itself whether a reasonable person, in possession of the same information as the defendant, would realise that his conduct amounted to harassment.

Typically, harassment will occur if you repeatedly contact somebody knowing they do not want you to contact the or if you follow that person and so on. There are defences that apply where you have a lawful or reasonable purpose for your actions.

Conviction for harassment can result in a prison sentence of up to six-months for a single offence or 12-months where two or more offences are charged together.

If you have been wrongly accused of harassment and you think that you are not guilty because you had a lawful or reasonable excuse for your conduct – or indeed because you did not commit the course of conduct alleged – then do not hesitate to contact us to ensure you receive the strongest possible defence.