Can you withdraw a police statement?

[courtquery]

I’m due in court soon and feel sick over it. Basically can’t face being cross examined and quizzed and even going into the court. I’ve been having panic attacks and had to go on medication
it’s way too outing but I’m one of a long list and not a main victim so it shouldn’t affect any court decision

If you've been summoned to appear in court, you can't just change your mind or not turn up. The most serious possible consequence is that you could be arrested.

Have you been given details of any witness support services you could access?

I’ve got a number but they seem to be working hours only and I don’t have a phone at work
I won’t just not turn up but was wondering if I withdraw my statement if I still have to go to court

I’m not sure exactly what your situation is but if you were a victim of a crime then I believe you can decide you do not want to testify in court. DS was the victim of a mugging. Initially he gave a statement and identified the mugger in a kind of line-up. But as the court date approached, he didn’t want to go through with it any more. We told the police and they were disappointed but accepted his decision.

Maybe getting this moved to the legal board would be more helpful to you?

Yes I’m a victim of a crime

I feel sick with nerves tonight as I’m so worried about the cross examination and not knowing what I’m doing
I have special measures in place so a screen but still worrying

Depends where you live

It must have some influence if you are being called as a witness. I know it's hard OP but I think you have to do the right thing and follow through.

As a victim you should have a point of call for support, you shouldn’t just be going into this blindly. Contact the people you’ve been dealing with or your local station to help you find out who you should be dealing with and tell them what you’re feeling and ask what they can do for you.

There should be some sort of counselling available as well if I’m correct?

It may seem so hard but it’s the bravery of people like yourself that helps put bad people away where they should be. If you can’t do it for yourself try and do it for all the other victims out there who can’t be strong enough to speak up or to save future victims.

I’m sorry you’ve been through this and I wish you all the healing and love in the world.

I feel sick with nerves tonight as I’m so worried about the cross examination and not knowing what I’m doing

OP, it won't be like a courtroom drama on tv with the barristers going in aggressively to try to catch witnesses out. Apart from anything else, the jury wouldn't like to see a vulnerable witness bullied by counsel so it would be counter-productive for the defence.

Don't be afraid to pause and take a drink of water, or ask for the question to be repeated or ask about anything you don't understand.

Your work needs to allow you time to use your phone to call victim & witness care.
If you really can't eg no phone or signal they need to let you have time off for that.

The courts need to provide support or adjustments. You could get a medical report for your mental health & give evidence from another room by video link.

Cross examining is not like it is on TV it will be very basic questions.

It will likely compromise other victims statements & evidence if you start withdrawing evidence at this point.

Do you have the email address for victim support? If you email them, they will be able to contact you to talk through your worries. You can also phone police out of hours and explain and they can get someone to speak to you.

You can decide to withdraw your statement but you may end up feeling a lot worse, and feel you’ve let yourself down.

The cross-examination will be much more straightforward than you think. It really isn’t like the TV.

Don’t make any decisions until you speak to victim support. Whatever you do decide, take care of yourself and accept any support offered.

Ime of court because you are telling the truth it really isn't as bad as you expect. I spent 5 hours with a 20 min break only against exh. I managed it because I was right.

And so bloody worth it.
You've got this op. Give them Hell.

thanks, that makes me feel better. I’m going in shortly (not saying exact time as I don’t want it linking)

You can ask to provide a withdrawal statement, explaining your reasons as to why you no longer support a prosecution. However, you can be summoned to court by the judge. They don’t like doing this, but will if necessary.

Speak to the officer in the case and explain your concerns. You already have special measures. You need to speak with victim care. There will be witness services at court who will support you on the day. Have you had a familiarisation visit to the court where they show you where you will stand, explain what will happen and where everyone will be etc? This may alleviate some of your fears.

Nope I’ve had nothing at all just a message telling me what time to be there

You’re stronger than you think. Remember you have lots of support here. Feel free to come back to us afterwards.

Make sure you ask whoever is in charge of your case what victim support is on offer. You deserve it.

I’m a barrister and agree that it won’t be like the TV.

Barristers have an obligation to put their client’s case. If that is that you are not telling the truth then they will have to ask you to respond to that. But it will rarely be done in an aggressive way. Much of the time it is a bit of a tickbox exercise. Mostly cross examination is about looking for inconsistencies in your evidence and the other evidence in the case. Good luck.

Thanks. Will they show me to where I’m going etc? I’m one of those people that looks up menus and parking on google maps before going out and I’m feeling… on edge!

Mostly cross examination is about looking for inconsistencies in your evidence and the other evidence in the case.

And that doesn't necessarily mean they think you are lying. I followed the Diana inquest - the transcripts were published online daily. The Coroner told the jury that it's very rare that all witnesses remember an incident identically. Someone will say there was a green car, someone will say it was a blue car, someone else won't have noticed the car at all, and so on. Everyone is being truthful about what they remember, but they remember differently.

I have been in your position too , and I know it's scary but you can do it.
Keep your answers short and factual.
Ie if they ask you do you know what colour the car was . Just say yes .
Dont say yes it was red .
They will ask you for the colour if its relevant.
Try to avoid using words/ phrases that make you sound uncertain, like "I think it was red" they can pick up on your phrase and make it sound like your unsure about the facts that you know are true.
If your genuinely not sure of the fact state it clearly and confidently .
"No , I don't know what colour the car was" , not , umm I'm not really sure.

Like pp have said the court drama we see on TV bears little resemblance to the real thing.
If you need time to think ask them to repeat the question and take your time in answering, don't let them rush you.

Yes , they will show you exactly where yo go then the usher will come and get you when you are needed.
If you have requested a screen , check with the usher just before you go into court that it is in place

I didn’t withdraw, had to wait around as was cancelled 3 times. About an hour in the witness box
Guilty of all charges

Are you glad you went through with it?

Oh well done. Hope you’re okay.

Well done. You played in essential role in the justice system and should be proud of that.