Does it count as slander? What should I do?

[The Tank]

This is slander if the remarks actually cause demonstrable damage to your reputation and proven harm to your prospects.

If you feel that your reputation is suffering due to lies being spread about you then this is Slander and you would start by reporting this to the police.

If the remarks are causing actual measurable loss (usually considered to be mental stress, financial loss or a provable damage to your reputation) then they can be classed as harassment.

If you feel harassed by the rumours and their affects then you can report the person to the police and ask them to take action under the Prevention of Harassment Act. Under this law the intent of the person doing the harassing doesn't matter - it is the affect on you that counts.

"Tim S" does not have any idea of how the legal process works. In either case (slander or harassment) you Must report this to the police as the first action. This is because they are criminal offences and the perpetrator can be prosecuted and punished by a court. You will need your friends as witnesses, because as much evidence as possible is always useful.

The police will hand the evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will "press the charges" (you don't do this) if they and the police feel that you have provided good enough evidence. The CPS will do the prosecuting and you won't have to pay any legal costs.

After the criminal trial you are then able to file a Civil Suit to claim compensation for the damage done to you. This is a separate court and procedure from the criminal trial. You will have to file the claim yourself at your local County Court and pay the costs to start the case. If you win your case then the loser will have to pay your costs as well as their own.