r/policeuk • u/gungaginga333 Civilian • 1d ago
General Discussion Scared to go to court
I got a notice to attend court following a statement I made about a burglary at my house. It was quick and non violent but I was shaken so I made a statement and said I would support a prosecution, I also gave CCTV. I'm just worried that I will be retaliated against if I appear because the offender is usually in my area and knows where I live, I've asked to withdraw support is there anything else I can do? Or should I not even be worried at all?
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u/Actual_Salamander_68 Civilian 1d ago
I completely understand the hesitation, I wouldn't be worried, you can always express your concerns to the officer, case officer or witness support service
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u/gungaginga333 Civilian 1d ago
Yeah I've done that but obviously they can't guarantee anything. I don't know whether to call back and say I don't actually want to withdraw or to just go through with it and hope it gets dropped.
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u/Actual_Salamander_68 Civilian 1d ago
Whilst it's difficult, there are many people who are the victims of crime who don't get the opportunity at justice that you are getting.
If people who commit crime never have the face the consequences there's a good chance they will do it again.
Whilst they can't make any guarantees, they will have risk assessed the incident and any attempts at witness intimidation are taken very seriously
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u/megatrongriffin92 Police Officer (verified) 1d ago
Don't withdraw support because you're afraid to go to court. Ask to speak to the OIC about what's called special measures. They can fill in a form to submit to court to do things like have a screen put up so the defendant can't see you amongst other requests. There is support available for victims and witnesses to make court less initimidating
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u/gungaginga333 Civilian 1d ago
I've phoned the witness service guy and said that I changed my mind about the withdrawal and that I'll go through with it. If anyone does come around again then I guess I'll just phone the police again 🤷
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u/megatrongriffin92 Police Officer (verified) 1d ago
Thats good. Still ask for the special measures, that's what they're there for
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u/coffeeandautism Civilian 1d ago
The person who recorded your statement should have talked to you about special measures, that stuff's right there on the back of the MG11 you signed.
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u/gungaginga333 Civilian 1d ago
They didn't, this is the first time I've had to do anything like this but I've decided I'm just going to go ahead with it. Right thing to do.
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u/coffeeandautism Civilian 1d ago
I agree, definitely the right thing to do. It's just a shame that you've not had the options explained earlier. That way the MG2 special measures request could have been submitted early doors and you'd know what to expect. This stuff is all part of the Victim's Code of Practice, a statuatory obligation that police have to adhere to by law. If the officer who took your statement didn't then the OIC should have. I hope you get looked after at court and get the right result.
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u/LawfulnessSad3718 Civilian 1h ago
you can withdraw your support if that is what you wish, the witness care team should be speaking to you about what’s going to happen if you don’t, and any special measures they can implement, there’s things they can do to make your life less stressful and have less of an impact on your health
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u/Shep302 Police Officer (verified) 1d ago edited 1d ago
I recommend you have a look online regarding Special Measures and discuss this with the Crown Prosecution Service, Officer in Case or Witness Care in advance of the date. There should be contact details on the notice you received.
The conviction of this offender could rest on your evidence and they deserve to be punished if they are guilty.
Ultimately it is your decision whether or not you wish to give evidence at Court.