[Closed] wwstw do, Feeling bad for reporting someone.

I thought Prince Philip had handed his licence in?  I'd feel no remorse about reporting but I'd probably have been too lazy to do so.

I'd have told them to prosecute.

Having been on the receiving end of similar numbskullery if the police had actually taken an interest in your circumstances I'd be pushing it.

Sworn at, threatened and driven at. No guilt whatsoever if the perpetrator got some grief from the Police unless there's something major you haven't said.

Sounds like someone who's very unsafe on the roads, and needs a reality check.

Better a reality check from the Police, than by seriously injuring or killing someone.

I would have also prosecuted.

In fact, the fact that the police straight up offered to prosecute, to me, tells me this isn't the first time this guy has had run-ins for being aggressive on the road. Clearly a known nutter to the police - hence the willing to prosecute on nothing but your word.

Release the hounds.....

Definitely right to report it. Should make them pursue it too, but I can understand wanting to let it go, back in my more militant days I spent a bit too much time angry at motorists.

I'd be glad the Police are actually taking it seriously. I've been through a cars windscreen and Police here wouldn't even do anything it all.

I had an incident with someone who caused me to crash and then was aggressive and pushed me. I reported it to British Transport Police (it was at the station). They were very helpful and took a statement, they checked the CCTV and traced driver from the registration number. Turned out it was an Army pool car so they traced the driver he disputed my version of the story so they decided there wasn't enough evidence for a prosecution and gave him 'words of advice'.
So, if you have video evidence, you might get a prosecution. Otherwise, the driver will bet a visit from the police and that might make them think again. It isn't much hassle giving a statement.

I’d be glad the Police are actually taking it seriously. I’ve been through a cars windscreen and Police here wouldn’t even do anything it all.

Likewise - sideswiped and dragged down the side of a car, but stayed upright.  Reported that and they were only concerend that we hadn't exchanged details at the scene.

Now ive just had a call from a nice police lady asking if I would like to prosecute this chap.

Were there witnesses? If not and they have asked you that then they know a lot more about this person than you do. Do you seriously think that if he' wasn't a known problem that they would have asked you if you wanted to prosecute him based only on your account.

[i]So what would STW do?[/i]

Not what you did

Now ive just had a call from a nice police lady asking if I would like to prosecute this chap. Ive declined

We as cyclists are entirely our own worst enemy much of the time.

I think it's faintly ironic that you're obviously feeling guilty about giving his details to the police, but it's quite likely he's got previous which is why they're interested.

I imagine you'll feel far worse if he ****s someone in a fit of road rage and kills them but you possibly failed to prevent it.

Absolute dangerous idiot escapes prosecution because you "feel bad" reporting him.

Well done you.

I'd have been asking what days I need to book off for court time. Ring them back and see if you can go ahead with the prosecution

Now ive just had a call from a nice police lady asking if I would like to prosecute this chap. Ive declined

Isn't it the CPS or PF who decides to prosecute rather than the police or victims?

If they have enough evidence to prosecute I'd imagine they'd do it anyway, regardless of your opinion.

This seems like an easy option for the cops to let you down gently because the CPS wouldn't take it further with the current evidence maybe?

What he ^ said. If they're offering prosecution, they guy must have history. He needs removing from the road.

Thing is,

You have no control over the result of any prosecution - if he deserved punishment for his actions then the police / a court would decide that, if not then no further action would be taken. That's their decision to make, you've flagged something up for their attention is all.

The fact that they took it seriously would suggest to me that a) they thought it was worth pursuing and b) he's probably had previous reports.

Having been on the receiving end of similar myself - a big burly bloke being very threatening and intimidating after he drove into the back of my stationary vehicle, culminating in him attempting to run me over as he fled the scene whilst I was trying to take photos - I'd have said "yes" in a heartbeat if that option had been presented to me.

Isn’t it the CPS or PF who decides to prosecute rather than the police or victims?

If they have enough evidence to prosecute I’d imagine they’d do it anyway, regardless of your opinion.

Sounds like they are asking if the OP would be willing to give evidence as a witness.

Then they may have enough evidence to prosecute.

Let them prosecute the tosser.

I’m struggling with why you wouldn’t want something you’ve reported seen through to it’s conclusion. Be that with a nutter taken off the road, or him getting a telling off or whatever.

Asking us after the fact seems a little silly too.

I think this one is going to be unanimous, makes for a nice change on here.

At least we can all stick with traditional STW form and all tell the OP how wrong he is 😂

Similar happened to me - threatened fro no reason, told driver I'd report him and have his reg. I just so happened to be passing the station, so reported him. Cops said to press for prosecution and told me what to say for statement (correct words).

Anyway, my word vs his, but because they had investigated it went down as 'intelligence' - the 'car' was known to them for antisocial behavior. Driver got a visit etc. This gets kept against the driver and if they do get 'caught out' this intelligence also goes against them.

I'd follow-up on it without remorse, I'd be surprised if they actually prosecuted though unless he had form (all the more reason to follow through with it before he injures someone), unless there's a witness, he admits it or you have go-pro footage then it's just your word against his

Sworn at, threatened and driven at. No guilt whatsoever if the perpetrator got some grief from the Police unless there’s something major you haven’t said.

This, ^^,  if you said it all happened then you should continue the process. Not to teach anyone a lesson, but to bring your side of the Law that supports you against someone who thinks they're above the Law of the land.

If the CPS don't continue, then that's not to say "nothing" will happen. The Police may keep all the details on file for future infringements of the said driver... and any repercussions lain on you by the driver.

press charges. Phone the Police back.

I'm a bit confused - when you reported it to the Police, which was 100% the right thing to do, what did you hope they would do, if not prosecute?
You feel guilty for reporting behaviour oveer which you had no control, he chose to behave that way, so he undertook to suffer the consequences.
Perhaps one of the reasons it is so difficult to get the authorities to take these things seriously is that they spend time and effort investigating only to have the whole thing fall apart when it actually comes time to get the victim to court.

This is what bullies rely on, they intimidate people and then they're scared to do anything about it.
How would you feel if it was your child or member of your family? Would you be still be happy to let them off?
You have right and the law on your side. Prosecute them, they may just learn a lesson the hard way.

Can they do OP for wasting Pilice time ?

Seriously OP you reported it Police have then spent time investigating, think they have grounds to prosecute, and then you tell them not to worry about it 🙄

Andy, a few years ago I had someone try to threaten me with their minibus at lights, pushed into the back of my bike with the bus to try to get me to move out their way (I was in a cycle lane, they wanted to turn left).

All the while the driver and co-driver were gesticulating and screaming at me as if I was the anti-christ that had just taken their first born. I jumped off the bike and shouted loudly at them.

it was a busy traffic junction, there were witnesses, 2 of them came with me to make a statement to the Police.

So, situation different, but I wanted the police to prosecute the **** out of that driver and bus company. there is no ****ing way that anything like that behaviour should be allowed on the road, from my example or yours.

I'm a big lad, can look after myself, the police and lawyers were mostly interested if I was pressing charges and going court to expect to get money from it. I wasn't, I only wanted to make sure that, as above, they prosecuted the **** out of driver and company as it is just not on.

The prosecution won, driver and company lost, got a ban and a large fine, various other things. Get it right up them, pair of bastards.

haven't really told that story to anyone, feels good to get it off my chest, long story short: go and tell the police 'yes' to prosecution.

If you phone the police and report "someone" based on your say-so alone, they might look into it and then decide lack of evidence etc.

The fact they came straight back with a "would you like to prosecute?" means the guy is known to them - maybe out on licence, maybe a local "character". Everywhere has them, the people that the police are forever dealing with for relatively minor offences but the courts will do nothing about.

If he knocks over and kills a kid / baby robin next time, will you still be feeling bad for him?

Would you put up with threats, swearing and an attempt at assault as you walk around the shops / work / your home ?

No?

So prosecute.

I think a few more drivers need to be reminded of the responsibility that driving carries with it - and how valuable it can be to them.

Phone them back and tell them you’ve changed your mind. I’ve been driven and had someone lean out a white van passenger seat and try and push me off my bike. Never got the reg. but drivers like that need to given a bit of a reminder on what’s reasonable.

As above I'd say to contact the Police and ask them to prosecute. If you're worried about any comeback then ask if you can give evidence anonymously if/when it goes to court; if the answer is 'no' then I wouldn't use that as a reason to cancel the prosecution, just think of a 'yes' as a bonus.

There are too many people on the road who think they're entitled to do whatever they want because they've got twice as many wheels as you and a tin roof over their head.

Another vote the same. It's great to finally have police support for something like this. Offer them the same support in return. If you don't, it just teaches the bully that bullying works.

Feeling bad for reporting someone to the police is probably a sign you're a good human being. Same feeling you'd get if you went to the doctor but felt slightly better that day... don't want to waste their time, right?

I'd follow through to prosecute, for all the reasons above. But you're not the a**hole for having second thoughts.

Definitely prosecute.

These ****s get away with too much, I'd prosecute for less. In fact last time I got knocked off I didnt, on the suggestion of the Fuzz, and regretted it, as the driver's tears quickly dried when I had to contact her re insurance.

If we prosecute, drivers might get the message.

The OP has had the equivalent of a multiple rollover lotto win - the odds of the police ever doing anything when it comes to aggressive / dangerous drives are tiny.

I’d be be on the phone telling them to sling the book at the driver - chances are if the OP doesn’t the police simply won’t bother looking at it the next time.

I think the OP feels scared that their could be comeback as if he prosecutes then his full name etc is out there for the nutter to know if it goes to court.

If this is the case then there are ways round this

Good luck 😉

Isn’t it the CPS or PF who decides to prosecute rather than the police or victims?

In Scotland I believe you are correct, the decision is 100% the PF's, but in England my understanding is that for some levels of offence the decision is left to the complainant (the prosecutor can decide not to pursue, but without the request of the complainant will not initiate).

Sounds like they are asking if the OP would be willing to give evidence as a witness.

The OP is a compellable witness, so its not his choice if he is willing to give evidence!

I’d be surprised if they actually prosecuted though unless he had form (all the more reason to follow through with it before he injures someone), unless there’s a witness, he admits it or you have go-pro footage then it’s just your word against his

I'd say never underestimate the stupidity of the temperamental to respond to the police questions in a way that incriminates themself. Even a "so some middle aged man in lycra holds up the traffic, then comes crying to you because he got told to move out the way" could corroborate it. He wouldn't even be the first person to use his own Dashcam to justify his belief that he was right and dig himself a hole!

I think the OP feels scared that their could be comeback as if he prosecutes then his full name etc is out there for the nutter to know if it goes to court.

Certainly north of the border the complainant's address is not routinely disclosed (they would be 'c/o Police Service of Scotland'). Anyone attempting to victimise a complainant runs the risk of way more serious charges than these, so the fear is probably far greater than the real risk.

Long story short Basically i didn't want to pursue it because of the significant impact it would have on myself and family.

Long story short Basically i didn’t want to pursue it because of the significant impact it would have on myself and family.

I expect it'll have a bigger impact on the guy he runs over.

I’d steam ahead with full prosecution if had the option. If he then turned up at my door I’d treat him like an aggressive threatening burglar and f##k what the law thinks.

This is why I ride with Cycliq cameras both front and rear. Luckily I have not needed to use the footage but there's so many idiots out there I know it's only a matter of time.

andybrad

Subscriber

Long story short Basically i didn’t want to pursue it because of the significant impact it would have on myself and family.

Give a statement, turn up in court and tell them what happened. There's some impact on you (by doing the right thing), but not sure of the impact on your family

I understand what you mean about the impact. My episode caused quite a bit of stress to me and my wife from the uncertainty. We worried about me meeting the same driver again. It was all right in the end though.
Stay safe...

Long story short Basically i didn’t want to pursue it because of the significant impact it would have on myself and family.

What's that phrase about for evil to triumph....

We worried about me meeting the same driver again.

"What you gonna do, end up in court again?"

Different kettle of whelks if you're dealing with a career criminal who sees doing a bit of time as an occupational hazard, but your average gammon in a Landie isn't going to want to go through all that rigmarole again and now knows full well that you'll nail him to the mast if he tries playing silly buggers.

After my school days practically leaving me with PTSD I've grown up with a zero tolerance policy for bullies, I'd would take any and every opportunity to push back hard rather than roll over for aggressive arrogant pricks like that. Frankly I'd rather receive a kicking than let the ****ers win.

Prosecute.

Just over a year ago I met this delightful chap. I think he gets the option to retake his test in 5 more months.

https://road.cc/content/news/252151-near-miss-day-218-one-worst-we-have-seen-driver-makes-close-pass-cyclist-who-was

Beyond the video and statement I had no involvement until the police wrote me a letter to tell me of the conviction.