Awful Neighbour now I’m scared.

Esmay to feel better about himself? Some people do live in an part invented life to better live with themselves.

It sounds like a mental illness to me. She possibly liked your husband and he was kind to her so in her mind she has concocted this. Definitely he needs a solicitor, don’t hesitate.

But over 40 years and a friendly neighbourly situation, I think it's not unusual? Help with lifting stuff or garden is not uncommon?
However as a now single woman I would not be at all comfortable with a male neighbour in my house....

I would never have agreed to my husband going into a female neighbours home to help them...... not a sensible thing to do! not that I have a husband.

Sorry put the not necessarily in the wrong bit -your neighbour might have dementia or maybe not .
I'm thinking of my father who doesn't have dementia , but
makes up stories .
I don't know why he does it .

Hi Suzi ,

I'm so sorry to read about your problem .
It's a Christmas that you'll never forget .

How horrible to help your neighbour for years and then to be accused of rape .

It sounds as though your neighbour has dementia .

One of my ex neighbours made my life really difficult for years and he has been diagnosed with dementia , but not necessarily .

My father has had more than six dementia tests this year and has passed them -yet he sometimes makes up unpleasant stories .

I'm thinking of and praying for you and your poor husband .

Agree nanny007!

This is along way from reaching court. What have the police told you?

Yes your DH must get a solicitor asap.

Presumably he has been arrested but not charged?

There will not be charged until the police are sure there is a case to be heard and their enquiries will necessarily include any relevant history.

However, saying "there is a history of Mental Health and alcoholism" may or may not relevant, we cannot know unless you know she has been under the care of MH people, has a diagnosis, etc etc, nor what that diagnosis may reveal. It may be irrelevant or very relevant.

I would imagine if she has had contact with MH support they will now be involved, I do not know what a solicitor may or may not be able to find out but its essential.

Your DH should have been informed of his legal right to speak to a solicitor either by phone or in person.

If the police failed to inform him of this right, he can put in a complaint.

OnwardandUpward

"The woman making the accusations was not in any way attractive or likely for him to have been tempted by. His wife is beautiful and lovely, so it seemed very unlikely he would have strayed."

Good grief! I'm saddened to read such a misguided concept around the reasons for rape.

Find a solicitor asap

My friend who had these accusations chose to move away and distance from most people. The woman making the accusations was not in any way attractive or likely for him to have been tempted by. His wife is beautiful and lovely, so it seemed very unlikely he would have strayed.

Trouble with moving is, if you are the one to go there will be gossip saying it was your fault. Also, that's your home. You might not be as happy somewhere else. It might be best to brave it out and be honest with everyone who knows you. Those who know you will know your husband will know his best intentions, that he's a helpful man- and I'm sure the mud won't stick. The court case will also go into the neighbour's background, I'm sure.

Another thing that might have happened is that after all the kindnesses over the years, she may have grown close to your husband and made a move on him which he rebuffed, causing her a painful rejection and accusations to try and hurt him. You need to ask him and find a great solicitor.

So sorry to hear this. I realise the police have to take accusations like this seriously, and as others have said you should have a solicitor but it beggars belief if you know he is innocent
Courage suzi

OMG! Does she have the beginning of dementia? Puts you off helping anyone doesn’t it. Yes get a solicitor as soon as possible. I’m sure it will be fine.

Good advice from OnwardandUpward
It will likely come to nothing but police have a duty to respond to a complaint.
When it’s over I would move away if I were you.

I'm so sorry. You poor people. Yes, as Smileless says definitely consult a solicitor and also make your husband promise to avoid her (and avoid being alone with any women)

The reason I say this is that a friend of ours once had an allegation made and it caused a lot of trouble and embarassment for him and his family. Even though it was not true, the lady in concern was mentally ill and vulnerable. He had been trying to help her.

Unfortunately if someone has past trauma or mental illness, even smiling at them could be taken the wrong way and it's best to avoid her completely.

I've worked within the Criminal Justice system for many years and I would always suggest the support and advice of a solicitor if accused of a crime, especially anything like the charge your husband has been arrested for.
Such a horrible situation.

Stay calm and get the best legal representation you can afford.

Of course you should contact a solicitor. Your H should have been offered legal assistance before being questioned .