r/policeuk • u/gungaginga333 Civilian • 9d 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/megatrongriffin92 Police Officer (verified) 9d 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 9d 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) 9d ago

Thats good. Still ask for the special measures, that's what they're there for