Witness Statement

[Bigsis]

Hi

Could I get advise regarding a Witness Statement.

Following a 'domestic' situation between the couple who live next door to me, the young woman waited in my house until the Police arrived. Her partner was arrested for assault and I was asked if I would give a statement about what I heard. I said I would but that I wanted no further involvement in the situation or appear in court. The Police Officer wrote that at the end of my statement. My reasons for this was that the young woman refused to press charges against her partner and I have to continue to live next door to them.

I have now been contacted by CPS saying I have to appear in court as a witness. I have complained, but have been told the prosecution solicitor wants me there, regardless to what I added at end of my statement. Both the Police and CPS said not to give a statement in future if I do not want to appear in court and the Police Officer who took my statement should have told me that! No wonder people don't want to get involved when people are in trouble.

Who else can I speak to about this?

[enaid]

Re: Witness Statement

Hi and welcome,
I can well understand you not wanting to appear as a witness, the CPS must have decided the case has to go ahead as although the the young woman didn't press charges against her partner they consider if the violence is likely to continue. They put the safety of the victim, children and anyone else before the accused.
I am not 100% but I know you can say you don't want to attend court at the time you make the statement, but I also think if you are ordered by the court you must attend and be charged with contempt if you don't (sure someone will either say this is the case or not)
From a personal point of view I think I would rather attend as a witness now and let the justice system do as it should, or wish I had if another similar incident happens with much worse consequences, but that's just me.

Good Luck

[Bigsis]

Re: Witness Statement

Thanks Enaid

I spoke to Witness Care Officer again today, they are going to review the case and let me know tomorrow if they still need me. My main reason for giving the statement was so that it was documented in case of any future incidents. The sad thing is that they are good neighbours aside from their occasional 'domestics'. The thought of facing him across a court room and then having to live next door to him, is a bit concerning. I also feel misled by the Police, who should have explained the implications to me.