Going to court... any advice


Can't believe you fell for that old chestnut.

Obviously can't say much, but if I'm a key witness, theres not much of a case. If they are relying on my vague descriptions of people and places, the accused need not worry. He'll be getting off scot free! I can almost hear the cross examination now.

"Can you describe the person you saw"
"He had arms, and was between 5 and 7 ft. He definitely had a head. I remember it clearly. He had a head"
"And what was he wearing?"
"Clothes"
"Can you describe them for me please?"
"Not really"
 
This happened to me about a decade ago and I still shudder when I think about it:

Accident at work, delivery driver squashed his hand offloading stillages, claimed against the supplier he was collecting from, and us who he was delivering to.....stillages not loaded correctly or fit for use etc.

Anyway, I was somehow dragged into it, being the boss at the time, but not at the time of the accident and naively didn't question how I could or should defend.

After a couple of false starts, ended up having to go to the quayside to be cross examined....I was woefully underprepared, didn't really have the answers so both the Suppliers and his legal people absolutely terrorised me to the point where I lost my rag and got told off by the the judge. They had me tied up in knots.

Was relived when they'd finished and completely discredited both me and my shitty evidence, which was the point I guess!

Pair of ***** were smirking to eachother anarl, I was raging.....had to gan for a pint after!

Good Luck!
 
Found out today I'm being called as a witness. I gave a really basic statement to police a while back and didn't expect it to reappear to be honest. So a bit of a surprise to find I'm being dragged into it. Can't really see why I'm involved, they must have had better witnesses than me!

Anyone done it? Any tips? Do the legal types give you any advice on what to do before you go in. Do you get to see the proceedings beforehand? Will I get to see the statement I gave?

I've never even seen inside a
courtroom except on TV.
Deny everything Baldric.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PTR
Few years ago now, first in scene at a car crash, took police a year to ask for a statement and when I give it they decided to prosecute the lad.
Another year later he went guilty on the first morning when was told to set 2/3 weeks off graft
He got 12 years
Had ptsd for few years after
 
Most likely you'll sit there for 4 hours then be told the accused has pled guilty.

Dont know if the same applies in England, but in Scotland you can ask to see a copy of your original statement. That wasnt always the case up here.
 
I got called up many years ago by the prosecution.
Discovered I was sitting next to the accused mates as I waited to give evidence.
Was told to keep everything simple and don’t go into stories, stick to the facts.
Got into the dock and they read out my home address , so because of the nature of the crime I expected a visit from his mates, but thankfully it didn’t happen.
He got sent down for several years.
I doubt I’d do it again to be honest.
You might find it gets canned at the last minute if the accused decides to change his or her plea.

Does anybody know why this is necessary? I would have thought giving out that information must put a lot of people off giving evidence.
 
Found out today I'm being called as a witness. I gave a really basic statement to police a while back and didn't expect it to reappear to be honest. So a bit of a surprise to find I'm being dragged into it. Can't really see why I'm involved, they must have had better witnesses than me!

Anyone done it? Any tips? Do the legal types give you any advice on what to do before you go in. Do you get to see the proceedings beforehand? Will I get to see the statement I gave?

I've never even seen inside a
courtroom except on TV.
I've done it a few times through work and once in a personal capacity. I never got to see my statement beforehand. You sit in a witness room until you are called as you aren't allowed to watch the trial before you give your testimony. You can sit in the public galley afterwards if you want. The solicitor for whichever side you are giving evidence for will ask you questions. They are on your side so will be friendly and the questions will walk you through the information they want from you. You will then be cross examined by the other side. They might try and give you a hard time depending on what your testimony is about. Most important thing is not to lie or make stuff up as they will catch you out. If you can't remember just say that. I know it can be nerve wracking but just remember, your not the person on trial so there is no negative outcome for you.
 
Does anybody know why this is necessary? I would have thought giving out that information must put a lot of people off giving evidence.

I was on a jury in 2023. There's the accused sitting in front of you and they read out all your names as they're selecting a jury.

Comforting.

US system, you're just given a number.
 

Back
Top