Court witness requirements etc

[All uphill]

And remember not to fart while giving evidence, at least audibly.

So that's what I was doing wrong all those years!

Why did no one tell me?

 

[Bonefish Blues]

And remember not to fart while giving evidence, at least audibly.

Nah. Small squeaky ones show you're taking things seriously and add to witness credibility.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

And remember not to fart while giving evidence, at least audibly.

It's the follow through in the middle of a tricky question that ruins your case.

 

[Homers Double]

And your pants.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

It's the follow through in the middle of a tricky question that ruins your case.

Probably best to leave your case with the court staff if you're that nervous.

 

[DaveReading]

There is plenty of time yet for them to plead guilty. Especially when they see you are willing to attend. They can do this even after you have arrived at court.

Exactly. A defendant can change their plea from not guilty to guilty at any point up to the start of the court hearing (or even beyond).

It's fairly common in the Crown Court for a defendant to maintain a not guilty plea in the hope that (as sometimes happens) a crucial prosecution witness doesn't show up. When you do arrive, be prepared for the possibility that a change of plea would mean that you don't need to give evidence after all.

And definitely get in touch with the Witness Service before the trial date. They will look after you while you wait to go into the courtroom, usually (depending on the court facilities) in a private waiting area to which the public doesn't have access. You can also ask them to arrange a pre-trial visit to the court if you think that will help.

 

[DRM]

And whatever you do, don't tell the Judge to keep the black silk square close at hand, you'll be needing it later on!

 

[Pedalabitslower]

I was called as a witness but didn't have to attend. The accused changed his plea to guilty before the trial. Luckily I contacted the court prior to the hearing and discovered I was not required. They had forgotten to notify me.

 

[Profpointy]

I was called as a witness but didn't have to attend. The accused changed his plea to guilty before the trial. Luckily I contacted the court prior to the hearing and discovered I was not required. They had forgotten to notify me.

As was I. I'd witnessed a bizarre incident where someone had jumped out of a car on motorway slip road then ran across the motorway being chased by two other folk. Stopped and rang 999 as soon as I could.

Turned out two perps had absconded from prison (apparently you only "abscond" rather than "escape" from an open-prison), gone round the house of a former associate and nicked his car bundling him in the back. The copper took a statement from me a few days later, and by and by I was called upon to be a witness in court. Whilst waiting in an ante room there was a witness support guy putting me at ease. Also in the room was the victim, quite clearly rather frightened. Anyhow the two perps pled guilty at the last minute and I went home. I assume they got some extra time in a less amenable nick for their trouble

 

[DaveReading]

Interestingly, the court doesn't officially afford any particular status to the victim of a crime - technically they are simply witnesses for the prosecution giving evidence at the trial.

That said, victims are treated sensitively by the support infrastructure up to the point that they go into the witness box.

 

[accountantpete]

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There is plenty of time yet for them to plead guilty. Especially when they see you are willing to attend. They can do this even after you have arrived at court.

I was on Jury Service in March - selected for 5 cases with 4 late plea changes to guilty before starting and one the case that started and completed was without the defendent being present so he couldn't be found guilty!

Complete waste of time