Thursday, In the court house

I was going to start this, by saying it was a bleak Thursday morning, but it wasn't, it was quite sunny, It was a day for which a number of people had been looking forward to, with trepidation, I guess, as the justice system can be a bit fickle. I went along to the magistrates court, to be with some very good friends, to offer support. Rachel North and Dan who were both victims of FJL.

To quote from Rachel.

' I would like to thank everyone who has supported me - my husband, family, friends, other bloggers, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. It has been a difficult year for me and Lowde's other victims. However, as she has said that she is going to appeal, it is not over yet, so I have no further comment to make''.

What was more interesting was what the judge said about harassing over the internet, was that this is worse than if one was to harrase you via a mobile phone, phone, silent call or via e-mail. A blog is a public place, I would say it would be akin to harrassing someone in the street, with a megaphone where everyone can hear what you are saying. But I guess that's not as bad, as people will only hear it once, but on a blog, that is searchable, some employer is doing a search on you, and finds this kind of post, what is their opinion?  Seriously, I'm glad that the judge said the harassing via the internet is far worse!

I am very happy for everyone who was affected, I do hope that they can get on with their live, business with out worrying about FJL.. She was given a mother of all ASBOs

 

Lowde, described in court as a serial harasser with previous convictions, and numerous victims, was yesterday given a restraining order,which prevents her from contacting me directly or indirectly, or writing or commenting about me in any medium. This restraining order will remain in place until it is ordered to be changed by a Judge, so it can be life-long. The separate post-conviction ASBO prevents Lowde from harassing her previous legal-aid defence team, the prosecuting lawyers, the investigating police, my father, and well over a dozen of her other victims. This will remain in place for 5 years, or until it is changed or revoked following any appeal.

 

Once we left the court, there was much rejoicing, and well, my first experience of Sushi, fab food, maybe not the raw fish, but it was great!

That's the FJL story but to rest, she is down for 6months, if she breaches the ASBO, it will be to the high court, and well, many more years in the slammer.