Providing a character reference

HurdyGurdy

I have been asked to provide a character reference for someone (not relating to employment) and was just wondering what kind of thing I should write about.

How long, and how detailed should a character reference be? How much details is needed? Do I say that I know him through his parents, or just that I have known him for "x" years.

Is it a general thing, or should I refer to specific events?

I don't want to "gush", but neither do I want to make it so bland as to be useless.

Any pointers please?

Person_one

Who is the reference for? What situation?

neverdespairgirl

What's it for? That does make a difference, I think.

HurdyGurdy

oh, ok.

He has been found guilty in court of assaulting his ex-partner and his son (late teens). I don't really want to say any more than that, as it is someone else I am talking about. He is back in Court next week for sentencing.

I wasn't in court, so didn't hear the evidence, and I wasn't present at the incident, so I don't know if he did it or not. His ex-partner has been proven to be a liar in the past. Not that that is proof that she has lied on this occasion, of course.

All I can say is that I find it difficult to believe he could have done it. But if, as has been alleged, alcohol was involved, then who knows.

His solicitor has asked if I would provide a character reference, to present to Court. I assume to try and reduce whatever sentence is passed in Court next week.

Person_one

Oh right, found guilty by a jury?

I wouldn't bother then, are you 100% sure you want to?

Sorry, but I can't help you on this one.

neverdespairgirl

Then you aren't being asked about whether he did it or not. The court has already found him guilty, so it's a matter of sentencing.

Detail would be good, here. Say a bit about yourself - including your job, unless that would mean, "drug dealing" as an answer, in which case, miss it out.

Say in detail how you know him, how often you see him, under what circumstances, etc. And, again in detail, what your view of him is. I wouldn't engage in much slagging off of the ex, though.

So, for example,

"I first met John in 1995, at his parents' house. He was then aged 12. I became a regular and close visitor to the family home, and they also visited my family home, I estimate we visited each other 12 or so times a year. I also took him regularly on rock-climbing trips with my own son, of a similar age."

and along the lines of...

"I feel as if I know John exceptionally well / very well / reasonably well / etc.

I know that he gained XYZ qualifications, and has been employed as an A for about B years.

I firmly believe him to be an honest / decent / loyal / generous / whatever else you think of him man."

meritaten

you could say when and where you met him, how long you have known him.
you could also say that you always found him to be a decent lawabiding person (tho not if you know he has previous convictions).
you could finish by saying that you think this would be out of character and that you had never known him to behave this way.
I am not going to presume to judge this person - I assume that if you are willing to give a character reference then you believed this person to be a 'good' person and trustworthy. you could finish by saying that?

HurdyGurdy

Person_one wrote: »

Oh right, found guilty by a jury?

I wouldn't bother then, are you 100% sure you want to?

Sorry, but I can't help you on this one.

Not a jury. It was magistrates court.

I have no idea of the ins and outs of the courts system.

I would like to help the family if I can, so I would be happy to offer a truthful reference.

HurdyGurdy

Thank you especially to neverdespair girl and meritaten.

Those examples give me a good idea of what kind of thing to put in the reference.

I appreciate all the responses. Thank you

neverdespairgirl

A couple of things I forgot to say - add that you know he was convicted of X offence at Y Magistrates' Court (they'll take it more seriously if they know you know he's been convicted of the offence) and also give your name, DOB, address. If you feel like it, enclose a photocopy of your passport or driving licence. That way they know the reference wasn't written by the Defendant himself!

If it was a conviction at the Mags, and sentencing in the Crown Court, I'm guessing that it was ABH?

johannalf88

Neverdespairgirl has a point about the driving licence! I have seen so many that appear to be fake!

If you have professional standing definitely include that. Dr, Lawyer, Rev etc.