NDA and Court appearance as a witness

[Ramsgate]

Morning guys and Gals

possibly an odd question but need to know where I stand without getting myself into trouble.

I witnessed tonight a person with a taser, blatantly showing off that they had it, I heard it before I saw it and instantly knew what it was.

I phoned the Police and the person was arrested shortly afterwards, I was asked to make a statement about what I saw and how I knew what it was. And here lies the issue, some of my work is for the MOD as well as other agencies some of which involves testing and collaborating evidence and results of certain devices and equipment.

a specific question I was asked when I made my statement was “how did you know it was a taser” my response was “I am unable to answer that due to an NDA” the police were absolutely fine with this, but I’m concerned that when this goes to court that a judge could force me to break the NDA even though there should be no reason to as the person was arrested in possession of the taser, matching the description, even down to the pocket the taser was in.

can I legally refuse to answer anything covered by the NDA (and they are pretty in depth) when asked in court without getting myself into trouble??

many thanks

[atticus]

You posted in the middle of the night. You were understandably worried, and worries are always greater in the darkest hours.

Hopefully this morning you can see everything more clearly. I suggest that you speak to your management and managers at the MOD about this.

[jaguarsuk]

Morning guys and Gals

possibly an odd question but need to know where I stand without getting myself into trouble.

I witnessed tonight a person with a taser, blatantly showing off that they had it, I heard it before I saw it and instantly knew what it was.

I phoned the Police and the person was arrested shortly afterwards, I was asked to make a statement about what I saw and how I knew what it was. And here lies the issue, some of my work is for the MOD as well as other agencies some of which involves testing and collaborating evidence and results of certain devices and equipment.

a specific question I was asked when I made my statement was “how did you know it was a taser” my response was “I am unable to answer that due to an NDA” the police were absolutely fine with this, but I’m concerned that when this goes to court that a judge could force me to break the NDA even though there should be no reason to as the person was arrested in possession of the taser, matching the description, even down to the pocket the taser was in.

can I legally refuse to answer anything covered by the NDA (and they are pretty in depth) when asked in court without getting myself into trouble??

many thanks

You're over thinking it, in all likelihood having been caught red handed the defendant will plead guilty. Certainly his legal representative would be advising them to, in order to get a lesser sentence.

[Ramsgate]

Many Thanks for comments, hopefully It won’t get to the point that I becomes an issue