New Police Powers in relation to Stalking

New Police Powers in relation to Stalking coming into place – TODAY! The Stalking Protection Order (SPO) that can result in five years in prison

Stalking was made a specific criminal offence in England and Wales in 2012.

Starting from today the Police will have powers designed to assist them in acting at the earliest opportunity to stop suspected stalkers under investigation from contacting their victims. The Stalking Protection Order is an order which will assist in preventing a person from carrying our acts associated with stalking. It will;

• Prohibit a person from doing anything described in the order, or
• Requires the person to do anything described in the order.

From today, Police will be able to apply to Magistrates for a Stalking Protection Order (SPO) which can remain in place for up to two years.  The Police may apply to a Magistrate Court Order if it appears that:

• A person has carried out acts associated with stalking,
• A person poses a risk associated with stalking to another person, and
• There is reasonable cause to believe the proposed order is necessary to protect another person from such a risk (whether or not the other person was the victim of the acts mentioned in paragraph.

The Courts will also have powers to impose an interim Stalking Protection Order (SPO) to provide immediate protection for victims whilst a decision is being made.

Those who breach the civil order could end up with five years in prison.

The orders will also be able to force stalkers to seek professional help.

How we can help?

If you find yourself arrested for this offence, or any other offence Johnson Astills Solicitors can help throughout the course of the proceedings, from the Police Station through to a Court Case. We offer professional legal advice and have specialist solicitors who deal with Stalking, Harassment and similar nature offences.

Representation at the police station is free, and legal aid may be available for your case at the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. For offences which do not qualify for legal aid, we offer affordable fixed fees for appointments and representation.

Johnson Astills are experts in criminal law, and are able to assist 24 hours of the day whether at the police station or at Court. If you need advice or assistance from the criminal department at Johnson Astills , please contact us on 0116 255 4855.

To discuss any offences please contact our Criminal Defence Team at Johnson Astills at our Leicester office on 0116 2554855 or our Loughborough office on 01509 610312.