My house mate was recently arrested and the house searched while I was home on my own. I had left my phone on the table out of my sight and the police started reading through my text messages, even though I was not under investigation. It has now been taken as evidence, is this legal?

Hello s:

Maybe. It depends on many factors. Was there a search warrant, or was permission given to the cops?

excon

There was a search warrant

Hello again, s:

Then the search warrant stated the exact place to be searched and exactly what they expected to find. If your phone was not IN that area, and/or was NOT mentioned in the warrant, it was PROBABLY illegally seized.

I say probably, because there's still many other factors that will come into play. If you had incriminating evidence on your phone, you should hire a lawyer. You may be next.

excon

Hello I've recently received a letter from Marston bailiff regarding a train fine and its risen to £175.77 and I'm in receipt of job seekers allowance and have not got that sort of money to pay it off in advance. I rang Marston personally and explained this to them and they know that I'm unemployed and unable to afford the court costs and they are giving me 4 weeks to pay it off I'm young as well and there not giving me more time I'm just wondering how I go about this as its really worrying me.

Hello n:

You're LUCKY that they're giving you more time... However, I'd do whatever I could to pay THIS bill, because the government has a much bigger stick than does, say, your telephone provider.

excon