Hi
I sent an enquiry to a general info e-mail address on the Home Office website (commsdata@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk:). I've copied and pasted their replies below:-
Me - "
Dear Sir/Madam
I would like to know if it is legal to use a taped telephone conversation as evidence in Court? I am currently being harrassed by a debt collection agency and understand that I am able to record their telephone conversations for my own personal use. Does this extend to being able to use this as evidence in Court?
Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
1st reply -
It is legal to use a taped conservation in court, if you obtain consent from the other party ( in this case the debt collection agency) you are recording that you are intending to use it as evidence in court.
Hence it will be illegal to use the taped conversation as evidence in court if consent from the other party is not obtained.
Regards
Commsdata
and "Further to my enquiry, do I need consent for a transcript of the conversation to be used as evidence in court?"
Their reply - "
Yes consent would need to be obtained to use a transcript of the conversation as evidence in court, as the same principles apply.
Regards
Commsdata
I'm not actuall being harrassed by a DCA at the moment but am 'preparing the ground' as I think I might be and will be recording calls if I am. Just wanted to be absolutely shure of the legal position in case this kicks off.