Anyone have experience of being a witness in crown court?

[smitheim]

Hi all, am hoping some of my lovely cyber-friends will be able to offer me some advice, or maybe it's reassurance that I am after :help: My oh was attacked last June - he was hit over the head with a brick and suffered a fractured skull and eye socket - thankfully he has recovered well, at least physically. The attacker is due to go on trial on the 16th March, myself and oh have been called to give evidence (plus two eye-witnesses, a police officer, doctor and forensic expert) as the date draws closer I am getting really nervous (as is oh, although he says he isn't!) The attacker lives quite locally and has been telling people he will have all his family there etc, I am so nervous - I know all I have to do is tell the truth but you hear of aggressive cross-examination, defence lawyers trying to make out you are lying etc, I don't know how long we will each be in the stand, will they call professional witnesses first etc? Any advice appreciated :confused:

[holliemon]

No advice sorry but good luck

[mum1964]

I think you should have received a leaflet called something like victims of crime.
They are a voluntary service and they can put you in touch with someone who will be able to support you through this.
Many years ago I worked in the legal proffession and witnesses in your posission were given a liason officer. They were there to help guide and answer any questions you had.
I would try to take along a couple of friends or family members who can give you a bit of moral support.
A little tip is to plan something nice for a couple of weeks afterwards, it may help your oh focus on something else.
Hope all goes well for you. I am sure someone will have more info about witness support

[Twinks]

Good Luck and I hope all goes well for you both - remember your oh is the innocent one here so try to focus on that and not worry yourself too much as you never know the exact questions you may be asked.
Sorry not much help.

[Zaul]

Ive done jury service and we knew pretty much when the person being interviewed was lying and when they were just very nervous.Just take your time and explain you are nervous if it helps you.

Ive also been a witness (though not in Crown Court) but at the very last moment (while sitting in a seperate waiting area to the friends of the 'accused') we were told we could go as they admitted everything.This was after myself and my ex were nearly run over by a bunch of yobs:mad: Never did find out the sentence they got but it wasnt a custodial one.

With luck this will happen with you and you may not need to give evidence at all.Good luck though:love:

[Ladyshopper]

There should be someone there from witness care or victim care who is able to go through the whole thing with you on the day.

When asked questions in court, make sure you address your answers to the judge/jury rather than solicitor asking. This is a lot easier said than done!

Take your time, and don't be afraid to ask them to repeat the question, or explain if you don't understand.

I won't lie, it is scary, but I'm sure it will be worth it.

You may find he makes a plea on the day anyway, they quite often take it all the way to court just to see if witnesses turn up, then if they do they plead.

Good luck.

[smitheim]

Thanks guys :love: have repped you all, sorry for the delay - should have explained had to go into work for a couple of hours just after posting :rolleyes: I am hoping that he will plead guilty on the day, he has previous violent convictions, and they have charged him with Inflicting grevious bodily harm with intent (s18) AND Malicious wounding/causing grevious bodily harm (s20) - I suppose the idea is that he will plead guilty to the lesser charge, a sort of 'plea bargain' and although I would prefer him to be convicted of the higher one, with intent, at this stage I think myself and oh would be very happy if he pleaded guilty to either so we won't have to take the dreaded stand! :(
It's surprising how much better I feel now though, with your support so thanks again :love:

[Grace & Favour]

I've given evidence in Court . . and you're right - - it is slightly scary . . but - - I tell you what - - it's a really great feeling to be able to stand there, look the Judge / Magistrates / Jury right in the eyes - - and tell them the truth!

It makes you feel really pleased that here is the opportunity to tell everyone exactly what happened - - I think I had told myself that I was in the best position to make sure that the guilty were caught - - and afterwards I was told that I had spoken slowly, clearly, deliberately and convincingly - - and that really can make a difference.

Don't worry about the prosecution Council - - the Judge will make sure he/she doesn't get too clever or nasty . . . and, Ladyshopper is right (of course!) - - stand straight, hold your head up, look the Judge / Jury quite deliberately - and speak clearly (& comfortably loudly) . . remember - it's for your OH you're doing this!!!

Big hugs - - & all the best!

[Mrs_N]

Hi,

I was a witness in an assault case some years ago, but the case was heard at the magistrates rather than the crown court. The accused was a neighbour and the victim was another neighbour who I was friendly with.

When the case went to court everyone from both sides along with the police had to stand in a corridor outside the court. The result was the accused threatened me and poked his finger right in my face dislodging my glasses. He was immediately arrested and spent another night in the cells and more witness statements were taken from me and other neighbours who saw the incident.

Another court date was set but this time all the witnesses had the services of the witness protection service which had just been introduced. They were very supportive speaking to us all before the court date, keeping us informed with anything we needed to know etc. On the day we all went to court again it was so different from the first time All the witnesess were in a separate room together along with a couple of witness protection counsellors. We were kept supplied with tea and coffee etc and whilst it was not relaxing because of the situation, they really did everything they could to keep us all calm. We were called one by one to give evidence and then left immediately afterwards (we met in the pub and got pretty merry)

I was very nervous taking the stand, but was put at ease by the prosecuting solicitor. I really don't remember how long I was in the stand but it went over quite quickly. I didn't have any aggresive questioning to face from the defence and was just so relieved when it was finally over as it had dragged on for almost a year.

The attacker was found guilty and got a suspended sentance and a fine. He also moved house and I didn't see him again which was a relief.

I hope all goes well for you on the day. You are bound to be nervous as it is a nerve wracking experience, but hopefully justice wil be done.

Let us know how you get on :)

[closemead]

Ive done jury service and we knew pretty much when the person being interviewed was lying and when they were just very nervous.Just take your time and explain you are nervous if it helps you.

Ive also been a witness (though not in Crown Court) but at the very last moment (while sitting in a seperate waiting area to the friends of the 'accused') we were told we could go as they admitted everything.This was after myself and my ex were nearly run over by a bunch of yobs:mad: Never did find out the sentence they got but it wasnt a custodial one.

With luck this will happen with you and you may not need to give evidence at all.Good luck though:love:

This happend when I was due to be a witness when my friend was stabbed, the defendant pleaded guilty last minute. With all the witnesses the defendant would have to be stupid to try and deny it and risk a tougher sentence??

[Darkangel709]

No advice but wishing you well good luck and hope he gets his just deserts!

[Poppyfields]

i have been a witness in a crown court case .... yes it is scary but if you are telling the truth (which I am sure you will be !) it isnt difficult.... the only thing i had a problem with was that in the waiting area the defendant was there too ( which i found very difficult) especially as the case was against about one of of my children ! good luck take care .... witness support were fantastic even showed us around the court before hand so we knew what to expect!

[smitheim]

Thanks guys, have repped you all for your support, just on my way to work now, your words mean a lot and make sense too! I will try to think positively (and not of the worst scenarios, eg witnesses don't turn up, he gets let off on a technicality etc!) xx Thanks again

[sillymeee]

I was on Jury service last year. I was on the jury for 3 trials . I must say after watching television I was expecting ferocious cross examination and quick witted lawyers twisting peoples words round and confusing them, It was not like that at all. I think you may get that when the cases are dealing with wealthy people paying a fortune for top solicitors. From what I saw it was in the main it was pretty much straight forward questioning .No-one seemd to be questoned for very long at a time and the witnesses who were nevous at first were very quicklywere made to feel at ease . I'm sure it will not be anywhere as nervewracking as you are expecting.

[smitheim]

I was on Jury service last year. I was on the jury for 3 trials . I must say after watching television I was expecting ferocious cross examination and quick witted lawyers twisting peoples words round and confusing them, It was not like that at all. I think you may get that when the cases are dealing with wealthy people paying a fortune for top solicitors. From what I saw it was in the main it was pretty much straight forward questioning .No-one seemd to be questoned for very long at a time and the witnesses who were nevous at first were very quicklywere made to feel at ease . I'm sure it will not be anywhere as nervewracking as you are expecting.

Thanks hun :love:

[navara]

Good Luck and I hope all goes well for you both.And the attacker gets the sentence he deserves.

[angel,dust]

Hi all, am hoping some of my lovely cyber-friends will be able to offer me some advice, or maybe it's reassurance that I am after :help: My oh was attacked last June - he was hit over the head with a brick and suffered a fractured skull and eye socket - thankfully he has recovered well, at least physically. The attacker is due to go on trial on the 16th March, myself and oh have been called to give evidence (plus two eye-witnesses, a police officer, doctor and forensic expert) as the date draws closer I am getting really nervous (as is oh, although he says he isn't!) The attacker lives quite locally and has been telling people he will have all his family there etc, I am so nervous - I know all I have to do is tell the truth but you hear of aggressive cross-examination, defence lawyers trying to make out you are lying etc, I don't know how long we will each be in the stand, will they call professional witnesses first etc? Any advice appreciated :confused:

before you answer any question breath and think. if you feel panic just ask for a drink of water so you can compose yourself. its not agressive like on tv but obviously its a stressful situation for you. good luck!!!

[princesskerry]

Just wanted to say good luck, never been in the situation myself but you have been given some very sound advice.
I think the advice about bringing family members and friends is a good one, as I know looking at them when I needed too would reassure me in an uncomfortable position.

[Angel]

before you answer any question breath and think. if you feel panic just ask for a drink of water so you can compose yourself. its not agressive like on tv but obviously its a stressful situation for you. good luck!!!

One of my uni lecturer's, who is a Barrister by profession, told us that when he was acting for the defendant, he would pour water into his glass in order to distract the jury. So the jury would all look at what he was doing instead of listening to what was actually being said in court.

[smitheim]

Thanks guys x your words mean a lot ;)

[Angel]

How did it go at court smithiem?

[smitheim]

How did it go at court smithiem?

Not good :( had to wait over a day to give my evidence - defence barrister was really aggressive, and made a lot of the fact that I couldn't remember exactly when I made my statement and other things - then, despite there being 8 prosecution witnesses inc myself, 2 police officers, a doctor and a forensic expert (against only 2 defence witnesses, who are related to the defendant) he was found NOT GUILTY :mad::mad: british justice eh?
We didn't stay after giving our evidence as the family were quite unpleasant and we'd had enough - I think the worst thing is not knowing why? We have heard a rumour that it was because of police procedures - the dates on statements and not freezing the brick perhaps? But the woman from the cps has not had the courtesy to return my calls :mad: Trying to move on but it isn't easy to take!

[Ladyshopper]

So sorry to hear that Smitheim. Hope you get the answers you are looking for.