In or around April 2011, my client Kate began working as the personal assistant to the owner of an escort agency.
During the course of her work at the agency, Kate became aware that some of those working for the agency were underage. Further, Kate became aware that the owner of the agency was committing sexual offences against a number of women and girls who worked for him, behaving in a threatening manner towards them and otherwise exploiting them. Kate also discovered that the owner of the agency was involved in forging documents for some of the women and girls who worked for him.
On 6 January 2012, Kate bravely reported matters to Merseyside Police notwithstanding that she was scared of the owner of the agency and of the potential consequences i.e. the retribution he might take against her.
The information that Kate provided to the police led to an investigation and conviction of the owner of the agency. DS David Stubbs of the Merseyside Police Public Protection Unit (“PPU”) was the lead officer.
DS Stubbs visited Kate on a number of occasions, made a number of telephone calls to her and sent her numerous text messages from both his work and personal mobile phone. Over time, the messages became more and more personal for example; In the space of 14 days, DS Stubbs sent 264 texts to Kate, 73 texts without reply. This included, (for example) between 23:23 on 15 February 2012 and 00:37 on 16 February 2012, 15 texts sent by the Officer without reply and at a time when he was actually on annual leave. In short, it was clear that DS Stubbs had become infatuated with Kate.
The messages became more and more personal for example; “I shouldn’t be saying this to you but you’re gorgeous.” And “…hope someone is spoiling you rotten like I would be.”
On my advice Kate brought a claim against Merseyside Police for Harassment in light of DS Stubbs behaviour.
By reason of DS Stubbs’ conduct, Kate suffered anxiety, humiliation and distress; specifically DS Stubbs’ conduct towards Kate caused her to feel helpless, frightened, confused, suspicious and paranoid. At times Kate felt that DS Stubbs was questioning her credibility as a witness. DS Stubbs’ suggestive personal comments to her caused Kate to feel dirty, used, humiliated and embarrassed.
As a result Kate lost confidence and began to hate herself. She developed symptoms of severe anxiety and began to have panic attacks. Kate stopped socialising and disliked being in the company of others. She felt nervous and vulnerable, without any guidance or victim support.
Kate even had thoughts of self-harm and began to have involuntary movements at night, which resulted in her causing injury to herself. She suffered sleep disturbance, including waking during the night and vivid dreams and nightmares of acts of deliberate self-harm.
Kate also lost trust in others, especially the Police. Contact with male Police Officers would cause Kate to experience severe anxiety, which could develop into panic attacks, and she became reluctant to speak to the Police.
Following investigation, Merseyside Police denied liability but on threat of court proceedings and after protracted negotiations, agreed to pay Kate £25,000 compensation plus costs.
My client’s name changed.
Also read: Harassed by the Police
