Following advice from an anti-stalking expert we will no longer be providing personal details about our Editors and staff.  This is the result of a very serious incident involving harrassment and cyberstalking which took place through one of the soaping groups.

As a result of this incident the police, Crown Prosecution Service and Yahoo Abuse were all consulted.  The situation is that from the evidence present there would appear to be sufficient evidence to suggest that more than one person involved may face investigation under the Protection from Harrassment Act.  This is an arrestable offence and if found guilty, the perpetrators could face imprisonment for up to six months.

In addition, a civil remedy exists which means that as well as a custodial sentence, anyone found guilty may be forced by the Judge to pay damages to any victims for anxiety, fear and loss of business.  This is in addition to any litigation that could be taken in terms of the civil remedy for defamation.

The police have made it clear that even if they did not pursue this in terms of criminal conviction there is sufficient evidence to seek a restraining order from the Courts.  Any person placed under a restraining order could face a sentence of up to five years imprisonment. 

Cyberstalking and harrassment are serious criminal offences and the CPS have assured us that they will pursue any party involved in such activities no matter where in the world they reside. 

In addition to the above, Yahoo Abuse Team are also investigating this incident.  They have informed us that any person found to have been abusive will be permanently removed from Yahoo services.