**Trigger** questions about assault cases - help needed

[itspronouncedscon]

Apologies if this is not the right forum but I'm currently supporting a friend who was assaulted by a man on Saturday evening. She's not getting much information from the police, of course we know they're busy, and the internet isn't being too much help this far.

Essentially this man has taken exception to my friend turning down his drunken advances and, after leaving a local pub, he's called her some obsenities before he struck her in the face after she argued back. The police were called and she gave her statement.

They told her (I was with her by this time) that they would keep her up-to-date but we really don't understand how these things progress.

This morning the police have said that the man has indicated with his solicitor that he will plead guilty at court to common assault (which is what they charged him with). They then said that he will be in court today. Is this right or this that a mistake? Doesn't she need to go? What if he changes his mind and says he didn't do it (unlikely we know as it was on CCTV but you never know).

We've tried looking online at court listings but nothing comes up. How do we know what she should be doing?

Any help would be massively appreciated. I didn't know where to go for advice and though someone here may work in law or unfortunately have experienced something similar.

Thank you so much for your tine everyone. xxx

Just bumping as I can see it's busy today. Anyone? xx

It sounds as though he was arrested and kept for a first court hearing today. Depending on the nature of the assault and his history, ie no previous violence offences, he could be sentenced today. If he does have a history of similar offending the case could be adjourned for a report from the probation service.

Thank you for your reply - really appreciated it. The liaison officer phoned just an hour ago and said that there would be a pre-sentence report. I'm surprised it's been so quick but I guess that's because he pled guilty?

Does the probation service look after the people who get community orders? That was mentioned as a possible sentence.

Sorry-it's all so confusing and I think they're assuming she (and we!) know the process etc. The only things I can find online are for offenders or victims who have their cases at crown court xx

That's good he's pled guilty. The probation service deal with community orders yes, and they'll compile a report for the court regarding his current situation and their recommendation which will help the judge decide a suitable sentence. So your friend doesn't have to do anything - there will be no trial or court appearances to worry about

Would they let her know what happens? She's worried about just bumping into him....

If he's pleaded guilty she wouldn't need to go to court ,she would only need to to to court to give evidence had he pleaded not guilty .

Will someone tell her about the sentence?

Check again with the police about how she'll get to hear about sentence.

Also, ask the police whether she would be able to make s victim impact statement, which would be read to the court at sentencing. It would provide an opportunity for your friend to explain about how worried she is about bumping into him. I don't know what the rules are about when they can be used, but I don't see why not in this case.

Finally, assuming your friend doesn't want to go to the expense of consulting a solicitor for advice then she should be able to get advice at the CAB. If the case has been adjourned for a report then presumably a date has been set for sentencing. Your friend should be told when it is.

I'm sorry this happened. It sounds awful

Victim support may also be able to give you some info.
I presume this initial hearing is literally to hear his plea, which it sounds like guilty, the judge will then decide whether he’s to be bailed or not.
If no previous he’s likely to be bailed, this is where under the terms of his bail co Dorian it should state that he can’t go within a certain radius of your friend, or say if he knows her where she lives, works etc.
I believe sentencing usually happens at a later date.

Co Dorian (?) = condition