Expert: Michael Troy - 10/13/2006

Question

I am a 45y/o gay man living with my partner of 11 years, in New York City.

I have a 25y/o gay male friend who lives in London, England (We'll call him 'Mike').  We are good friends (nothing more).

This friend of mine, Mike, met a guy online ('David')who told him he was 18 years old.  They met and began dating.  That was maybe 8 months ago.  (They both claim that they have still never had sex.)  

As the story goes, it came out that David was really 16 years old.

Of course, when David's parents learned of thier relationship, they went Nuts!  ...reporting it to the police, and calling Mike's employer trying to get him fired, etc., etc., etc.

Since then, they remain "in love" and want to continue seeing each other.

My only involvement has been that both of them call me from time to time and ask me for my opinions and advice...

Tonight, David's father & mother called me from London to threaten me...   to "stay away from my son!"   

Mind you, I have never met their son, never even called thier son -- only talked on the phone with him when he has called me asking for advice.

Do I have anything to be concerned about legally?

Having an "advice"-type telephone relationship with a 16-year-old?   (We have NEVER discussed anything regarding sex -- other than his stating to me that they have never had sex.)


Answer
Hi Bruce,

I can't really provide specific legal advice in this forum, especially not being an expert in British law and not knowing all the facts, I can't give any definitive legal opinion.

However, I am willing to say I can think of any legal issue you need be concerned about given your involvement.  In some jurisdictions it is illegal to advise a minor to break the law or disobey his parents (Contributing to the delinquency of a minor).  It would also be illegal to call the young man if a protective order was issued preventing you from doing so.  But it does not sound like you were doing anything like that.

It sounds to me like the parents are very upset by all this and are lashing out at anyone they can.  But I also think it is all bluster and would not be worried about any legal problems based on what information you provided.

I hope this helps!
- Mike