Is it illegal to enter another persons phone and read their private messages

[Chesterboy]

Hi I hope I can get some advise. My mother in law left her phone at a family members by mistake and we have now found out that they unlocked her phone and read her private text messages to others. This happened on two separate occasions. On the second occasion they have taken screenshots of some messages and have now told her that they can drop bombs and will share the messages. obviously she is very upset. This was her private conversation so surly this is illegal? If so what can she do?

[Law Student 1]

Hello

Yes, invading someones privacy is illegal.

The abuse that your mother is experiencing from your family member may potentially be considered as a form of harassment as it appears that she has experienced this from the same person/people on at least two occasions.

You can take action in the civil courts against this family member and it is suggested that you make this claim as soon as possible.

The court will ultimately decide whether this is a form of harassment. The court can make an order or injunction that the person harassing you must stop their behaviour. If they do not stop harassing you after the court has made an injunction against them, it's a criminal offence and they can be prosecuted in the criminal courts.

You may wish to warn the family member that if they do not stop and delete the screenshots and return the phone (if this has not been done already) that you will take court action against them.

[Celestine]

Good response, perhaps also alert poster to the possible costs element to legal action.*
Is the action of threatening to share messages an act of blackmail - in theory could the police offer any assistance.