To be a bit freaked out by the idea of appearing in court--but mainly to think it's not run very efficiently?

[RevoltingPeasant]

I don't want to say too much about the ins and outs of this for obvious reasons, but I am going to be asked to appear in court to give evidence. It's a fairly minor case of assault but it feels like a massive responsibility!

The main thing is, though, I live about 4-5 hrs away from where the case is, and they are asking me to travel to the court and putting me up overnight as it's not really possible for me to guarantee getting there for 9am on the day. I asked if I could be sworn in a police station/ magistrates' court where I am and give evidence via phone or Skype but they won't do that.

AIBU to think it's a bit of a waste of public money to pay rail fares + B&B for a witness in a minor case? I am seriously considering offering to pay myself but it'd be about £2-300 and I just can't afford it as we are just buying a house.

Well done for you for minding about spending public money.

But of course you should let them pay these expenses for you. You are doing the right thing in testifying.

I think this thread needs to be removed, doesn't it?

Complex - why? Surely nothing is identifiable from what I've said?

But honestly report it if you think so.

You do need to be there in person because your evidence has to be 'tested' in court. Exceptions are only made in very rare cases.
I had to do something very similar after I witnessed a crime while on holiday. It meant two nights away for the trial, but the prosecution counsel told me afterwards that the guilty verdict would not have happened without my evidence.
I have to say that everyone at the court were very helpful, and I found the whole experience much less daunting than I expected.
Make sure you take something to read while you are waiting to be called!