Q I WAS on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years and, once my time was up, I moved house, but the police charged me with failing to advise them of a move. I was taken to court but found not guilty. Now police are saying I must sign the register for life.
Q I WAS on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years and, once my time was up, I moved house, but the police charged me with failing to advise them of a move. I was taken to court but found not guilty. Now police are saying I must sign the register for life.
A I hesitate to give you definitive advice on such an important matter with this slim amount of information. This is one of those occasions when I say you must consult an experienced solicitor immediately.
However, as a general point, once you have served out your time on the Sex Offenders' Register - during which you must report in to the authorities, let them know where you are staying and other restrictions - you are then free of those rules.
However, there is a mechanism called OLR - an Order for Lifelong Restriction - which can be applied for in respect of certain types of serious offenders who have had prison sentences - but these are rare.
Hang-up on mobile phone
Q I ORDERED a mobile phone and specified the colour and the date for delivery. When it arrived it was red instead of black. I called to complain and an automated voice told me the replacement would be delivered on a date when I would be at work. I called again to get this changed but was told it could not be.
Eventually I cancelled my contract but have been charged £57. I again complained but they say I am to be charged the full year for the original phone as they have not received it back - even though I sent it to them. I have unfortunately lost the receipt for it when I posted the phone at the post office.
A The post office should be able to trace this delivery but you've made it difficult for yourself. I am a real Jessie in my office for paperwork and proof of movement of documents, and this is why.
Cancel the direct debit and, if the company sues you, recount the story to the court - hopefully with post office proof to back you up. I presume the company records calls so you should insist the court makes it produce them if it does sue.
Red-hot fury at cold call
Q I WAS cold-called by a firm selling financial products which now says I have made a contract with it by verbal agreement, whereas I only asked to be sent information. The firm is reluctant to produce a transcript of the call but is threatening legal action. I'm also outraged my details were given to it by a major store where I have a card.
A A verbal contract is enforceable but there must be clear acceptance of entering it. If the interpretation of your words is not that, you can defend any court action.
As for the store, check your card agreement but I bet it says they are allowed to share your information. You can complain to www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Power of attorney fears
Q I HAVE signed a power of attorney to my daughter and I do trust her to deal with everything. But I am worried social workers will ignore her and just put me where they want and I might be short of money or be left in difficulty.
A The power of attorney is a strong legal document that prevents anyone from obstructing your daughter or taking precedence over her wishes on your behalf. And you cannot be forced to go anywhere, like a care home, without your consent and you or your daughter agreeing.
