Justice - just another abstraction...

I'm losing faith in British justice.

Back in May I wrote a blog describing the trouble my parents were having in getting an unwelcome house guest to leave. It's still not sorted. Things have taken a bit of a nasty turn.

Three and a half weeks ago I witnessed my grandfather threaten my parents with a hammer. It was a shock at the time, but not as great as when the realisation hit me that if my mother had not managed to stop him, my grandfather could have hit my father on the back of the head with a claw hammer. Now I'm no medical expert, but I've watched enough TV to know that that sort of blow can kill. My father could be dead right now.

Obviously we called the police, and after some discussion decided it would be best to make a complaint so the police could take it further. My grandfather was arrested and taken away and was eventually bailed on the condition he reported to the police after three weeks and did not come back to the property. We were told that after three weeks the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) would make a decision on whether to bring any charges. Mum and Dad went to the doctors and bruising they had as a result of the incident was recorded. Then we waited.

So, three weeks passed. We expected to hear from the police but didn't, despite repeated calls made by my father. Two days after they were supposed to let us know what was going on, we were told that my grandfather had reported to a police station, and had been released without charge. Apparently because it was in a domestic setting it wasn't affray of a breach of the peace. Because he didn't actually hit anyone it wasn't assault. They couldn't think of another charge that would be appropriate so no charge was brought. This made us feel great. One up side is that my grandfather has not tried to come back yet, and should he we have been advised that we can call the police and have him removed. The local police officer is also going to talk to his desk seargant tomorrow and see what else can be done, and at least try and get my grandfather summoned to court and warned about his behaviour.

So that's why my respect for law in this country is feeling misplaced at the moment. Not only has it taken more than 7 months so far to get the ownership issue sorted, but it appears threatening behaviour is perfectly acceptable in certain situations - or at least the police can do little about it.

I should say things are still progressing. My grandfather has now been required to provide evidence that he spent 60,000 GBP on improvements to the farm. He has supplied receipts and bank statements. Apparently he believes that underwear constitutes an improvement. I kid you not - one of the receipts he has submitted is for underwear. Others are for clothes, a mobile phone, his petrol (gas to those in North America), car repairs. This list goes on. It would be funny had they been submitted months ago. But now it's really not funny any more.

Life isn't funny - but at the moment it's not even fun. These events do not lead me to believe I live in an enlightened world, a civilised society, or even a safe country. I don't fear for my own safety. Mostly because I'm not afraid of dying. I don't believe in God, but like to think there may be something else to move on to. But I do fear for the safety and wellbeing of those around me - those people I care about. Most of all I feel so helpless. The only recourses I have are either to continue to be supportive (which feels like doing next to nothing) or taking the law into my own hands, which could hurt those I care about more than it would help them.

So what do I do?

If I work it out, I'll let you know.