my daughter was "mugged" by a local youth, she was not hurt, after the police retrieved her belongings and interviewed her we thought it for the best if it didnt go any further as the youth lives very near us and it would make things more uncomfortable than they are already - we told the police this and they agreed...now I find its going to court and she does have to be a witness
2006-12-27 04:09:59 · 28 answers · asked by ? 6 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
your daughter does not actually have to go to court she can give video evidence that can be played in court, but if your that worried dont let her just tell the police how u feel, the little **** will probally get off anyway, the same happened to my daughter and the two lads got off scott free, so what is the point.
Good luck and try not to worry.
2006-12-27 09:36:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It isn't the police that decide that. It is down to the Crown Prosecution Service. Being called as a witness means nothing really as the youth may well plead guilty and she will not have to give evidence if he does.
Even if she does have to give evidence, she may have a case for screens to be placed around the witness box. If in doubt go to the local court and speak to them. They can do a lot of things for witnesses now
2006-12-27 12:14:56 · answer #2 · answered by jamand 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A crime was committed and your daughter was a witness. She has a duty to tell the court what she witnessed and can be compelled to give evidence. It is not up to you to decide whether this youth is prosecuted - it is a matter for the CPS.
If good people won't co-operate with the process of the law, what hope do we have for justice? It means the bad people will control it.
2006-12-27 12:19:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get in touch with Witness Support at the court - they are very helpful. I agree that there is a very good chance that if your daughter turns up on the day of the case he might well change his plea to guilty. Many defendants wait to see if the victim does come to court - so she might not have to give evidence at all.
2006-12-27 13:23:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you can do is have your daughter prepare a statement with her representing attorney so that he or she will present it to the judge on your daughter's behalf. She may still be required to be attend the hearing, but she will not have to personally get up in front of the accused and state what happened. She should definitely serve as a witness, but she also has the option of requesting the charges be dropped, but on the condition the attacker attend therapy or do community service.
2006-12-27 12:16:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i understand the worry you feel but the reason these horrible people get away with these crimes in due to witnesses not going to court and assisting the police to make sure they recieve the punishment they deserve.
I used to work on the railway and had to be a witness against a bloke who attacked another passanger,i had asked 2 of the biggest blokes from my depo to come with me as i too was worried,i didnt have to go into court coz the bloke had pleaded guilty.
Stand firm and go to court,its the only way to get these idiots off the streets
2006-12-27 15:13:48 · answer #6 · answered by freerange00720002000 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
take things easy if it is going to court must mean the gov aswel as the police have got it under control still voice your fears to all -- i have been in similar situations with murders and all sorts rape gangs on the street they will get cut some deal and you and your daughter will be left alone just be honest and dont be afraid to talk let all the public, police, friends know -- life will move on for all parties
2006-12-27 12:20:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He has committed a criminal offence and if he gets away with it then he is more likely to do it again. Also if he knows you daughter is too scared of him to be a witness he is more likely to have another go at her. The fact that he lives near you is all the more reason to show him that your family is not to be trifled with. If you don't deal with it ti is going to get even more uncomfortable
2006-12-27 12:16:01 · answer #8 · answered by Maid Angela 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to re-address this with either the police or the CPS and reiterate what you already told the police about not wanting your daughter to be a witness.
2006-12-27 12:16:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your child has been served with a subpoena then you must provide testimony. Depending on the judge and the age of the child, you may be able to provide a sworn deposition in place of testimony in court.
You should consult a lawyer in any event.
2006-12-27 12:16:16 · answer #10 · answered by Andy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋