With all the publicity being given to super-injunctions I found myself wondering what might be the response of the police if some of those attempting to use an injunction to protect their privacy had instead complained that they were a victim of blackmail.
Of course this is an entirely theoretical speculation, not least because we have virtually no information to go on (excluding internet tittle-tattle) about any of the cases currently before the courts. But once upon a time plots involving blackmail over (alleged or actual) sexual peccadilloes were a staple of novel & film – think of the Dirk Bogarde film, Victim, for example.
In at least one version of the popular plot the victim suffered terrible consequences because of his cowardice in failing to go to the police; this was not only the Right Thing to do – to ensure the criminal got brought to justice - but also not to be feared because anonymity would be guaranteed, even if it were necessary to give evidence in court.
Nobody would have thought that the blackmailer deserved any sympathy whatsoever, no matter how much He might have done Her wrong.
Well I have no idea what would happen if a celebrity or politician went to the police to claim that the person with whom they had been having an affair was threatening to sell their story to the press unless the victim could match the financial offer. And almost nobody would believe that anonymity could be guaranteed, even if it were to be attempted.
Links
GAY DECADE
The Victim
Related post
A tactful read
GAY DECADE
The Victim
Related post
A tactful read
