A former Liverpool city councillor has been formally charged with harassment without violence following a police investigation into reports that a woman received threatening cards. Gerard Woodhouse, 62, is scheduled to appear in court next month.
Merseyside Police confirmed the charge against Mr. Woodhouse, who previously represented the County ward in north Liverpool for the Labour Party. The allegations concern multiple cards sent over a period of several months containing offensive content.
Key Takeaways
- Gerard Woodhouse, a former Liverpool councillor, faces a charge of harassment without violence.
- The charge follows an investigation into multiple cards containing insults and threats sent to a woman between October 2023 and August 2025.
- Mr. Woodhouse, 62, was arrested in August and has been conditionally bailed.
- He is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday, October 24.
Police Confirm Charge After Investigation
Merseyside Police announced on September 30 that Gerard Woodhouse, of Mayfair Close in Anfield, has been charged with harassment without violence. The charge is the result of what police described as an extensive investigation.
Authorities received reports concerning a series of communications sent to a woman over a significant period. The investigation focused on multiple cards allegedly posted between October 2023 and August of this year.
According to a police spokesperson, the cards contained offensive insults and threats directed at the recipient. The prolonged nature of the alleged incidents prompted a detailed inquiry by detectives.
Timeline of Events
- October 2023 - August 2025: Period during which the alleged harassment took place.
- August 2025: A man was arrested in connection with the offence.
- September 30, 2025: Merseyside Police formally charge Gerard Woodhouse.
- October 24, 2025: Scheduled date for his appearance at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.
Details from the Police Statement
In a formal statement, Merseyside Police provided details of the case. The spokesperson outlined the nature of the complaint and the steps taken during the investigation.
“Detectives investigating reported harassment towards a woman have charged a Liverpool man. We received reports that between October 2023 and August this year, a woman was sent multiple cards in the post with offensive insults and threats made towards her.”
The statement confirmed the timeline leading to the charge, noting the work involved in gathering evidence. “Following an extensive investigation a man was arrested in August in connection with the offence,” the spokesperson added.
The police have now concluded this phase of their work, leading to the formal legal proceedings. The charge, harassment without violence, is a specific offence under UK law that deals with behaviour causing alarm or distress without the use of physical force.
Legal Proceedings and Political Background
Following the charge, Mr. Woodhouse has been released on conditional bail. This means he is free until his court appearance but must adhere to specific conditions set by the police. He is scheduled to make his first appearance at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday, October 24.
This initial hearing will see the charge formally put to him, and the case will then proceed through the judicial system.
Gerard Woodhouse's Political Career
Gerard Woodhouse served as a Labour councillor for the County ward in north Liverpool for over a decade, from 2010 until 2022. During his time on the council, he was a prominent local figure.
In late 2022, following a selection process, the Labour Party informed Mr. Woodhouse that he would not be endorsed as a candidate for the subsequent local elections. He launched an appeal against this decision, which was ultimately dismissed. While there was speculation he might run as an independent candidate, he has not held an elected position since his term ended in 2022.
Understanding the Charge
The offence of harassment without violence is defined under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. It covers a course of conduct that a person knows, or ought to know, amounts to harassment of another.
This can include repeated attempts to impose unwanted communications or contact upon a victim in a manner that causes distress or alarm. The law does not require physical violence to have occurred for a charge to be brought forward.
The prosecution must typically demonstrate that there were at least two separate incidents that formed a 'course of conduct'. The evidence in such cases often involves communications like letters, emails, text messages, or, as alleged in this case, posted cards.
The upcoming court hearing will be the first step in the legal process to determine the outcome of the charge against Mr. Woodhouse.