I have no problem with ceasing to examine the phones of victims. However I'd like it explained - how do police know whether someone is a victim or a criminal (a false accuser)? And I'm sure everyone will agree - criminals - or potential criminals - SHOULD have their phones (and everything else) examined.
One false accuser in my recent "debacle" did have his (and his wife's) phones examined, exposing serious discrepancies, illustrating deliberate attempts to alter the dates of the claims. This was essential evidence which assisted the Judge in her assessment.
Is it seriously being suggested that such vital proof of a crime being committed (attempting to pervert the course of justice) should be suppressed?
If so, Carl Beech should immediately be released.

I am really torn on this. I cant imagine handing over my phone and betraying confidentiality, no matter what happened.

And ethics aside, it would feel like a violation all over again to have a bunch of moron police officers poring over my personal conversations and rants.

They are not seriously suggesting examining only one of the phones, are they?

This exposes how Policing needs to fundamentally review its relationship with technology.

In times gone by if a couple had argued down the pub earlier in the evening prior to an assault allegation, witneses would be interviewed and statements taken. "Dirty linen" would, too, be aired. If the argument is via text message should this be treated differently?

There has also been the case this week of a man who allegedly "assaulted" a woman in a virtual world simulation by pushing his "body" against hers.

As we live more in virtual worlds we need to have a clear vision and basis for the application of the law.

In the case of phone examination either the truth of a situation is further lost (and hundreds more mainly men will lose years of their lives wrongly in prison) or people need to quickly realise that the virtual world is one in which we are as accountable as the real one.

I think that the Police have to look at both phones or any notion of justice is lost.

I think trolls too should be held more to account.

Would my friend Barney sit down the pub and pretend to be me as he does on here? I doubt it, through fear I would walk through the door and punch his lights out or - far more likely in my case! - use satire to expose him...