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SMS can get you in trouble with the law

You're nicked, son

Two men have the dubious pleasure of being the first to be charged with offensive use of text messaging. Garry Riding and electrician Jason Eshelby had a bit of a to-do over Jason's craftsmanship on Garry's home, The Sun reports.

It all got a bit out of hand and both of them ended up going to the police. Where they were both charged under a weird section in the 1988 Malicious Communications Act. But when they appeared in court, the charges were dropped because it was all a bit silly.

Jason now faces an investigation by his employer - Barnsley council - to decide whether he should lose his job. Garry is self-employed, of course.

On an aside, mobile phone companies announced recently that they will start charging each other for sending text messages. Apparently this won't effect what the end user pays but we shall see. It has however meant the death knell for various free messaging services.

But back to the story. It's good to see that electricians (and by extension plumbers, plasterers, etc, etc) haven't changed. Why text messages and not direct communication or mobile phone chats? Because workmen never answer the phone if it's a client calling them. Good bit of advice here from a wise man (picked up over a conversation down the pub): when discussing the job with a electrician. etc, be friendly and find out where he drinks.

When he is out "getting parts" while your kitchen lies in ruins, you can bet he will be down the pub with his mates. So pop down there and remind him of your house. Do this often enough and he will do the job just to get rid of you - it's either that or find another local, and that will never happen. ®

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