Kyle Walker recently underwent a very public legal dispute with influencer Lauryn Goodman and whilst those proceedings have now concluded, it has been reported that Goodman is continuing to cause Walker difficulties by regularly posting about him, his Wife Annie Kilner and their four young children on social media.
Walker is now believed to be contacting lawyers over the social media posts and is considering taking out a Non-Molestation Order against Goodman.
Solicitor Hannah Barlow from McAlister Family Law shares her legal expertise on what Kyle and Kilner can do to protect themselves and why Goodman could face imprisonment if she continues to harass the couple.
Hannah Barlow, Solicitor at McAlister Family Law said:
“The law offers protection from harassment and there are steps that Kyle Walker can take to make it stop. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 is the legislation which provides protection to victims of harassment. This protection is offered in a variety of disputes, to include harassment online, sometimes referred to as ‘cyberstalking’, as in Walker’s case.
In Walker’s case, he will likely apply for a Non-Molestation Order against Goodman as the pair are associated persons by virtue of sharing children together.
That said, his wife Kilner could not seek the same against Goodman, as the children that she shares with Walker would not fall under the category of ‘associated person’ and would need to seek protection from Goodman either by the Police or via the Civil Court.
In the Civil Court, if harassment is established (which is defined in the UK as behaviour intended to cause a person alarm or distress), damages can be awarded for any anxiety caused by the harassment and any financial loss resulting from the harassment.
Harassment may also constitute a criminal offence. If an individual is found guilty of harassment, the maximum sentence is six months imprisonment. The breach of a non-molestation order or civil injunction is a criminal offence and could carry a maximum prison sentence of five years.”
