Update-Witnessing a crime-called as a witness in a summons

[married2mm]

Dd received summons today-for tomorrow

She had specifically requested not to be called as the case also includes witness intimidation charges

She is really scared

I don't have any experience of such situations-could anyone kindly assist.

[Smilesonfaces]

sorry your dd is so scared. Hope she manages ok. Can’t help but hope someone is along soon who can!

[Nettings]

Give Victim Support or if your local Court has them, the Witness Service a call - they should be able to give advice xx

[married2mm]

Originally Posted by Clarks

Give Victim Support or if your local Court has them, the Witness Service a call - they should be able to give advice xx

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Unfortunately the witness support service has not been very supportive

[married2mm]

Originally Posted by Smilesonfaces

sorry your dd is so scared. Hope she manages ok. Can’t help but hope someone is along soon who can!

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Thanks-I've just being looking at the steps on the gov.uk website & they've not actually been adhered to?!

[Nettings]

That's a shame xx Have you tried Victim Support? Whilst I understand she's actually a witness, they should be able to signpost her to an agency that will be able to support her, I'm sure xxx

[katiec68]

Hi
Sorry to hear this. However it SHOULD be made clear at the time of making the statement that you will be required to attend court if necessary.
Failure to turn up COULD end up in a warrant being issued for your DD (sorry).

She should get to the court for opening and ask for the Officer in the Case (OIC) - if it's my case I like to be there early- or the CPS lawyer handling the case.

Unfortunately if it's Magistrates court the witness care system isn't a patch on that at the Crown court.

Make the OIC aware of the witness intimidation matters as the courts often take this more seriously than the original offence!

There is no need for your DD to panic. She will get the opportunity to read through her statement before she gives evidence and there will be a separate waiting room for all witnesses.

If it's any consolation most of us police officers don't like going to court either.

She needs to stick to her account, not let the defence rattle her... that's their job... and if she can't remember she should say so.

She'll be just fine

Katie

[married2mm]

Originally Posted by katiec68

Hi
Sorry to hear this. However it SHOULD be made clear at the time of making the statement that you will be required to attend court if necessary.
Failure to turn up COULD end up in a warrant being issued for your DD (sorry).

She should get to the court for opening and ask for the Officer in the Case (OIC) - if it's my case I like to be there early- or the CPS lawyer handling the case.

Unfortunately if it's Magistrates court the witness care system isn't a patch on that at the Crown court.

Make the OIC aware of the witness intimidation matters as the courts often take this more seriously than the original offence!

There is no need for your DD to panic. She will get the opportunity to read through her statement before she gives evidence and there will be a separate waiting room for all witnesses.

If it's any consolation most of us police officers don't like going to court either.

She needs to stick to her account, not let the defence rattle her... that's their job... and if she can't remember she should say so.

She'll be just fine

Katie

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Thanks Katie-

Would it be ok to send you a pm?

[katiec68]

Originally Posted by married2mm

Thanks Katie-

Would it be ok to send you a pm?

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Yes if course x

[antheve]

hi,

Exactly what Katie has already said. A little further advice is there are measures the court can put in place to protect the witness (DD). They are called special measures and can include DD giving evidence via video link or from behind a screen so she cannot see the defendant. The witness has to be either vulnerable or intimidated which from what you have said DD clearly is.
Court is a very nerve racking experience and the advice already given by Katie is spot on.

good luck.