AG v Bisson and Bisson [2023] JRC 245 (08 December 2023)

AG v Bisson and Bisson [2023] JRC 245 (08 December 2023)

Persistent, abusive, and obscene telephone calls to police constitute serious harassment warranting custodial sentences unless mitigating factors justify community-based alternatives. Restraining orders are necessary to protect police officers from further harassment.

Citation
[2023] JRC 245
Parties
Defendant: Erin Bisson; Defendant: Richard Bisson; Prosecutor: Crown
Jurisdiction
Jersey
Judgment Date
08 December 2023
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Sentencing
Outcome
Richard Bisson sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, concurrent on each count. Erin Bisson sentenced to 180 hours community service order and 1 year probation order, concurrent on each count. Restraining orders imposed on both defendants for 10 years.
Legal Topics
Harassment, Abusive Communications, Restraining Orders, Sentencing
Criminal Law Harassment Abusive Communications Restraining Orders Sentencing

Case Brief

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Parties

Erin Bisson

Defendant

Richard Bisson

Defendant

Crown

Prosecutor

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Sentencing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 persistent abusive telephone calls to police
  2. 2 harassment of police officers
  3. 3 sentencing for abusive communications

Ratio Decidendi

Persistent, abusive, and obscene telephone calls to police constitute serious harassment warranting custodial sentences unless mitigating factors justify community-based alternatives. Restraining orders are necessary to protect police officers from further harassment.

Court Disposition

Richard Bisson sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, concurrent on each count. Erin Bisson sentenced to 180 hours community service order and 1 year probation order, concurrent on each count. Restraining orders imposed on both defendants for 10 years.

Orders

  • Restraining Order prohibiting contact with States of Jersey Police or Honorary Police officers for 10 years, except for reporting emergencies or as crime victims.
  • Richard Bisson: 12 months' imprisonment, concurrent on each count.