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Original poster

Witness in Court next week - advice?!

22 replies

Roomarmoset · 23/08/2025 18:14

As per the title I’ve got to attend the crown court next week as a witness. I’m so nervous! Anyone got any tips to be calm? I’m worried I’ll read my statement and then forget when they ask me. The incident happened 4 years ago!

My colleague is going on Tuesday and I’m going on Wednesday, is she allowed to tell me what happened or is that not okay? I just want it to be over. Argh!

OP posts:
hellohellooo · 23/08/2025 22:24

Best of luck OP

Stay calm
Speak out loud
Ask for a break if you need it

Try not to worry too much

Ask for clarification when you need to

hellohellooo · 23/08/2025 22:25

You won't be able to speak to your friend until the verdict is in

Original poster
Roomarmoset · 23/08/2025 22:31

Thank you 🙏🏻

OP posts:

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Legal issues
BippidyBoppety · 23/08/2025 22:34

Take as much time as you need to reply to questions. If you need a few seconds to formulate your answer, to make a clear answer rather than a jumble of words, don't fret. Don't overthink things, listen carefully to the question and answer that question without a lot of "fluff".

I gave evidence some years ago and the defence lawyer repeated one of my sentances (as if to cast doubt on what I had seen). I asked if I could clarify, was told yes and I added a few words to further describe what I had seen.

It was a murder/manslaughter trial and possibly one of the most intense and scary experiences of my life.

Redshoeblueshoe · 23/08/2025 22:34

Turn up. I know that might sound stupid, but I know someone who didn't, and they got a custodial sentence for it. Yes it was very short, but the judge was really pissed off that day.

Original poster
Roomarmoset · 23/08/2025 22:38

BippidyBoppety · 23/08/2025 22:34

Take as much time as you need to reply to questions. If you need a few seconds to formulate your answer, to make a clear answer rather than a jumble of words, don't fret. Don't overthink things, listen carefully to the question and answer that question without a lot of "fluff".

I gave evidence some years ago and the defence lawyer repeated one of my sentances (as if to cast doubt on what I had seen). I asked if I could clarify, was told yes and I added a few words to further describe what I had seen.

It was a murder/manslaughter trial and possibly one of the most intense and scary experiences of my life.

Great advice thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
Roomarmoset · 23/08/2025 22:39

Redshoeblueshoe · 23/08/2025 22:34

Turn up. I know that might sound stupid, but I know someone who didn't, and they got a custodial sentence for it. Yes it was very short, but the judge was really pissed off that day.

Yes the thought had crossed my mind 🙈 but I know how stupid that would be.

OP posts:
Raining12345 · 23/08/2025 22:41

Direct your answers to the Judge/Jury - don't get drawn into an argument with the barrister/solicitor. Sometimes they'll try tactics to confuse or challenge you but gather your thoughts and respond to the people who will be making the decision. You'll be guided through the practical side of things by witness care and the Judge/Magistrate will not expect you to be an expert. Just show respect and try to stay calm. Put your hands down on your lap or the bench in front of you if they're shaking.

Mooselooseinmyhoose · 23/08/2025 22:41

Hello! Former criminal barrister here. I know its easy to say try not to worry but heres my advice:

  1. It's not a memory test. If you know something is in your statement but cant remember it (like a car reg for example) you can say i told the officer and its in my statement but I cant remember it now due to passage of time. The judge will then allow you to check your statement to refresh your memory.
  1. Listen to the question. People always want to help and leap in with what they think they're being asked. Wait til the end of the question and its ok to pause and think before answering.
  1. Speak louder than you think you need to. The court is unnaturally large and it can be hard to hear.
  1. You will get the opportunity to speak to the prosecution barrister before you go in. If you have any specific worries you can raise it with them before you go in.
  1. If you wear glasses for specific things like reading be sure to have them to hand in case you need to look at a document.

The prosecutor will ask you questions which essentially take you through your statement. If they want more detail they will ask. Its their job to get the evidence from you so let them do it. Defence Barristers aren't evil they are doing their job. You will be one piece of the evidence and their questions may be to make a point that isnt clear to you. People always assume cross examination will be scary, I always used to be exceptionally pleasant to witnessed in cross ex which so many found unnerving!

If you want a break ask for one and I promise it wont be as bad as you're imagining it in your head x

Raining12345 · 23/08/2025 22:43

Also you should be allowed to refer to your statement as a reminder. You might struggle to find the relevant part but don't be afraid to ask if someone can direct you to it - they often will do that anyway. If you don't know or can't remember then don't be afraid to say so.

Squirrelintree · 23/08/2025 22:50

The worst bit is waiting in the days beforehand and on the day. Once you are there, you will be ok. Take the statement and ask to refer to it if necessary. It is not a memory test, it is about helping the judge/jury to understand what happened.

dickdarstardlymuttley · 23/08/2025 22:55

Look smart and professional. Wear a suit or at least a jacket. In my experience, that will help you feel confident - it’s quite literally an armour. It also shows respect for the judicial process.
Try and eat something beforehand. It’s a very stressful situation requires mental energy and physical energy.
Get to court early to familiarise yourself with the surroundings, toilets, witness area etc. Do not be late.

Find out how you address the judge, eg Your honour, sir, ma’am.
You maybe asked to swear an oath.

Don’t speak until you are spoke to.

If you don’t understand a question, say so and ask them to rephrase or clarify.
After you’ve given evidence, find a quite coffee shop or quite space in a park to decompress.
Remember this, as long as you’re telling the truth, you’ve got absolutely nothing to worry about.

Original poster
Roomarmoset · 24/08/2025 10:02

Thanks everyone. Really appreciate the comments and advice it’s definitely helping x

OP posts:
Original poster
Roomarmoset · 24/08/2025 10:02

Mooselooseinmyhoose · 23/08/2025 22:41

Hello! Former criminal barrister here. I know its easy to say try not to worry but heres my advice:

  1. It's not a memory test. If you know something is in your statement but cant remember it (like a car reg for example) you can say i told the officer and its in my statement but I cant remember it now due to passage of time. The judge will then allow you to check your statement to refresh your memory.
  1. Listen to the question. People always want to help and leap in with what they think they're being asked. Wait til the end of the question and its ok to pause and think before answering.
  1. Speak louder than you think you need to. The court is unnaturally large and it can be hard to hear.
  1. You will get the opportunity to speak to the prosecution barrister before you go in. If you have any specific worries you can raise it with them before you go in.
  1. If you wear glasses for specific things like reading be sure to have them to hand in case you need to look at a document.

The prosecutor will ask you questions which essentially take you through your statement. If they want more detail they will ask. Its their job to get the evidence from you so let them do it. Defence Barristers aren't evil they are doing their job. You will be one piece of the evidence and their questions may be to make a point that isnt clear to you. People always assume cross examination will be scary, I always used to be exceptionally pleasant to witnessed in cross ex which so many found unnerving!

If you want a break ask for one and I promise it wont be as bad as you're imagining it in your head x

This is amazing thank you so much!

OP posts:
Original poster
Roomarmoset · 27/08/2025 17:13

I just wanted to update and thank everyone for their help and advice. I was shaking like a leaf and it was a horrible experience but I did it! The defence lawyer tried to make out that I wasn’t telling the truth which was a bit scary but overall it went okay and I’m so glad it’s over!

OP posts:
Indicateyourintentions · 27/08/2025 18:01

Golly, well done. I’ve got to go in October and I’m so glad you made this thread as I also had no idea what would be required.
Quite nervous now that I’ve read all that!

Redshoeblueshoe · 27/08/2025 18:13

Well done, and yes this thread is useful.

Original poster
Roomarmoset · 27/08/2025 22:33

Indicateyourintentions · 27/08/2025 18:01

Golly, well done. I’ve got to go in October and I’m so glad you made this thread as I also had no idea what would be required.
Quite nervous now that I’ve read all that!

I was in and out in 10 minutes and I think the waiting around was worse than actually being in court! The witness lady went through everything and offered to go in with me because I was so nervous. She really helped bless her!

OP posts:
BippidyBoppety · 27/08/2025 23:06

Can I suggest you write down what happened somewhere - like an email to yourself, something just for you. This will be in your head for a long time, you'll go back and recap and think about it (usually for me around 1am); I wish I had, I wonder if I'd said everything I wanted to ...

eurochick · 28/08/2025 09:32

Roomarmoset · 27/08/2025 17:13

I just wanted to update and thank everyone for their help and advice. I was shaking like a leaf and it was a horrible experience but I did it! The defence lawyer tried to make out that I wasn’t telling the truth which was a bit scary but overall it went okay and I’m so glad it’s over!

Don’t take it personally - they are obliged to put the defence case to you. It’s part of the process. Well done for doing it.

Original poster
Roomarmoset · 28/08/2025 19:08

BippidyBoppety · 27/08/2025 23:06

Can I suggest you write down what happened somewhere - like an email to yourself, something just for you. This will be in your head for a long time, you'll go back and recap and think about it (usually for me around 1am); I wish I had, I wonder if I'd said everything I wanted to ...

That’s a good idea. I was quite emotional at work today and was thinking of all the things I should have said. Writing it down is a very good idea thank you.

OP posts:
Mamadegarcons · 28/08/2025 19:13

Contact the officer in case & witness care. There is support there for you.
You will be allowed to refer to your statement! Crown court are usually very nice & calm. And ask if you don’t understand something 😊 we’re all human

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