Required at Court?

SuperStar

I got a letter saying ‘I am required to go to court as a prosecution witness’. This is at a magistrates court. I rang the number saying I don’t want to do it as I don’t like public speaking and I get stressed and especially as they are going to be cross examining me - whatever that means?

I have not had a summons, yet. But the letter just states ‘I am required’ does anyone know if there is a law I would be breaking if I don’t attend? I did ask on the phone and they couldn’t quote it so I assume I am not breaking any laws by not attending?

I know they can summon me, which would force me but I don’t believe I have had a summons yet. What would happen if I don’t attend?

DCFC79

SuperStar wrote: »

I got a letter saying ‘I am required to go to court as a prosecution witness’. This is at a magistrates court. I rang the number saying I don’t want to do it as I don’t like public speaking and I get stressed and especially as they are going to be cross examining me - whatever that means?

I have not had a summons, yet. But the letter just states ‘I am required’ does anyone know if there is a law I would be breaking if I don’t attend? I did ask on the phone and they couldn’t quote it so I assume I am not breaking any laws by not attending?

I know they can summon me, which would force me but I don’t believe I have had a summons yet. What would happen if I don’t attend?

Legalbeagles might be another to expand the help you get.

hollydays

Who was the letter from.

SuperStar

The witness care team for the local police force

CakeCrusader

They don't call people unless they have to, sometimes the statement is enough but if they need to ask you questions about what happened you will need to go. It's an offence not to turn up, I'm sorry, they can have you arrested if you don't go when summoned; https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/going-to-court-as-a-witness1/you-might-have-to-go-to-court-as-a-witness/if-you-get-a-witness-summons/



Cross examination just means the defence gets to ask you questions about what happened. If you let them know that speaking in public is very difficult for you they can arrange some extra support for you or they can do things to help. There's contact information at the bottom of the link that I've posted above.

SuperStar

CakeCrusader wrote: »

They don't call people unless they have to, sometimes the statement is enough but if they need to ask you questions about what happened you will need to go. It's an offence not to turn up, I'm sorry, they can have you arrested if you don't go when summoned; https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/going-to-court-as-a-witness1/you-might-have-to-go-to-court-as-a-witness/if-you-get-a-witness-summons/



Cross examination just means the defence gets to ask you questions about what happened. If you let them know that speaking in public is very difficult for you they can arrange some extra support for you or they can do things to help. There's contact information at the bottom of the link that I've posted above.

I have not been summoned, just a letter saying ‘I am required’. Is it different if I haven’t been summoned?

Also if I am summoned, I guess the letter would state somewhere that I’ve been summoned?

CakeCrusader

What does the letter say, exactly?

hollydays

So, have you given a statement to the police?
The word summoned isnt relevant but keep calm
Did you have a leaflet enclosed from witness support?
Whatever, just remember , you are not the accused, and have done nothing wrong:)

molerat

SuperStar wrote: »

I have not been summoned, just a letter saying ‘I am required’. Is it different if I haven’t been summoned?

Also if I am summoned, I guess the letter would state somewhere that I’ve been summoned?

Probably a witness warning, a letter saying nicely that you must go to court. If you tell them you will not go or just don't turn up they can then issue a summons.

Keep_pedalling

This link might be useful.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/going-to-court-as-a-witness1/get-help-and-support-being-a-witness/witness-referral/

boo_star

SuperStar wrote: »

I have not been summoned, just a letter saying ‘I am required’. Is it different if I haven’t been summoned?

Also if I am summoned, I guess the letter would state somewhere that I’ve been summoned?

You are required to go to court, so go.

It's not that difficult.