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Witness Service

Going to court as a witness or as the victim of crime can be a worrying experience, particularly if it is your first time and you don’t know what to expect.

Witness Service was set up here in 2008 to support anyone who has to go to court as a victim or witness, regardless of whether they are a witness for the defence or prosecution.

 

 

 

Witness Service helps:

  • Witnesses who are called to give evidence, including defence witnesses
  • Victims of crime and their families and friends attending court for any reason
  • Children as well as adults

 

We can offer:

  • Someone to talk to in confidence
  • A visit to the court to look around the courtroom before the trial
  • A DVD explaining the court process and personnel and showing how the trial will proceed - available here
  • Information on court procedures
  • A quiet place for you to wait before and during the trial
  • Someone to accompany you into the court room when you give evidence
  • Someone to be there afterwards to talk over what happened
  • Practical help, for example with expense forms
  • To put you in touch with people who can answer specific questions about your case (the Witness Service cannot discuss evidence or offer legal advice)
  • Ongoing support, even after the case is over

 

If you are attending court you may find it useful to take the following:

  • A friend or relative – you don’t have to attend court alone
  • Any information you have on the case, for example the name of the police officer dealing with your case
  • The letter asking you to attend court, if you have received one
  • Something to read or do – you may have to wait a long time for the case to be called
  • Money to cover costs on the day, such as car parking or refreshments

 

Claiming expenses:

If you are called as a witness, you can claim your expenses after the trial.  These expenses may include travel to the court, essential childcare, or loss of earnings.  Please contact us for more information.

 

Useful Links:

The Royal Court webpage

The Magistrate's Court, Youth Court and Petty Debts Court webpage