Witness Statement

missile

I would rather not give out any more details, if you don't mind.

I guess you mean officer in charge? I have spoken with the copfs VIA Officer.

keyser666

In that case I would leave it. I wouldnt turn up and see what happens. The worse that can happen is a witness summons is issued, if this is done then I would turn up, you will be escorted by Victim Support and you will have an opportunity to speak to the CPS, I would make it known there and then you fear reprisals.

As this is a internet forum and I know you are well versed on here, you can confirm this with a solicitor beforehand incase you are worried

missile

I don't think it is a good idea to ignore the citation :eek:
I am required to attend unless I am told otherwise.
In the accompanying information sheet, I am instructed to report to the court on 21 January

You should wait in the witness room. ..... When it is your turn to give evidence a Court official will call you to the witness box in the court

and

It is a criminal offence for a person who has been cited as a witness to fail to turn up ...... a warrant for their arrest may be granted ....

and

If you have other concerns about coming to court or giving evidence contact the Procurator Fiscal's office.

It is not clear what one is supposed to do when they fail to return your telephone calls or answer your letters

keyser666

Aha, did wonder about the citation part as I asked earlier, should have guessed Scotland.

I would turn up and tell the procurator fiscal that you arent prepared to give evidence for fear of reprisal attacks

missile

copfs should have been your first clue. As far as I am aware the terminology is different but the process is much the same in all corners of the UK.

I certainly will not have the opportunity to speak to the PF before giving evidence, he rarely speaks to a plebeian.

missile

Thankyou to those who have taken an interest in my thread. I would like to give you an update:

I received notification that I am no longer required to give evidence, for your info:

Just by way of an update for you. Accused ABC pled guilty to the charges against him and sentences is deferred to 31 January 2013. The accused DEF failed to appear and a warrant was taken for his arrest. I will update when I know DEF has been apprehended and appears in court.

Many thanks for the update. Hopefully the police will track down DEF, he will plead guilty and I shall not be required on the 21st.

Just to confirm that the accused ABC was the person specifically involved in charged concerning you, so you will not be required to attend court and give evidence. the case against DEF continues. I shall not contact you again in relation to this case

I am glad to report this is over.

I am disappointed to report, I never did get any response to my telephone calls and letters requesting I be excused from giving evidence due to my concern that this would expose my family and I at risk of further retribution.

mr_sharma

Can you file a complaint? It doesn't sound like you were treated fairly at all and doesn't inspire confidence in others who read your story.

Is the moral of the story really to turn a blind eye if you witness criminal activity and can safely report it?

missile

Complaint, yeah right to whom?

The message I got is: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

It is a jungle and unless it is my family being attacked or my property being stolen I will look the other way.

mr_sharma

Not sure if you can write to the Indepedent Police Complaints Comission but it might improve procedure and communication for others.

Additionally find out who your local MP is and relate your expereince, it's their job to represent you if you want follow-up on what appears to be very valid concerns.

bod1467

Is that a cut-n-paste of what you received? If yes then the grammar is atrocious! (And I don't mean ABC or DEF).