Criminal court for DV

[Queenie6655]

Hello all

I have a court case due to DV caused by my ex
The witness protection team previously said that I could attend remotely
The DC from the Met has recently said it seems likely I need to attend

Just wondering if anyone has tips to prepare for this?

I plan on reading out my victim personal statement

But the thing Is I want to only have to attend for a short time and not hang around in case I see him
I have requested a screen
Some of my family think i should just face him but i can't

Any advice would be very much appreciated

Thank you !!
Hope you found it ok

I lied to him when I fled once
I lied and said I was with a friend when I was with a family member

He is trying to use this to say
Look she is a lier
Always has been !!!

These are the things they will raise and raise

And twist

Yes, he will say anything. He will lie, and twist words, and try to paint you as the aggressor and him as the victim. But you have the advantage that you KNOW he's going to do this, so you can be prepared. The judge and the prosecuting barrister will be used to people like him who lie and lie and lie. Just stay calm, take a breath before every answer.

Once he is convicted, and sent to prison, the prison will ensure that you are protected from him.

Your absolutely doing the right thing standing up to this arsehole. I know your scared and it’s not easy. Two attempted murder charges. He needs locking up and the key throwing away. He is not a good man.

You have the truth on your side and, no matter how difficult the situation, all you have to do is speak the truth.

You don’t need to do any preparation work. You don’t need to remember what you can or can’t do, or should or shouldn’t say.

You have the truth. Just speak it.
You can do this!

@funnylittlefloozie thank you

Praying they see sense and believe me
I lied to him to protect ourselves

I called him names after 12 months of serious assaults month after month

That's all I'm guilty off

I just hope they see him for who he is and factor in that he tried to kill another partner but she was too afraid to take the process to court

Can't blame her 😢😢😢😢

@JaneExotic

You have the truth on your side and, no matter how difficult the situation, all you have to do is speak the truth.

You don’t need to do any preparation work. You don’t need to remember what you can or can’t do, or should or shouldn’t say.

You have the truth. Just speak it.
You can do this!

Yes absolutely

I think I just got worked up about how to react when they claim I have Done things or just respond
No that's not true

All you need to do is tell the truth. You are going to find the process easier than him in some ways as you can reliably repeat the details of the situation without trying to keep up with your own lies.

If you are questioned on your messages to him, I would calmly state that after a year of abuse, most people would be angry and upset and recount the incident that preceeded them.

You do not have to be an absolute angel, never putting a foot wrong in order for him to be convicted. I would clearly state the effect the abuse had on you, what it did you you as a person, as it will help your case, not hinder it.

@Stormwhale

All you need to do is tell the truth. You are going to find the process easier than him in some ways as you can reliably repeat the details of the situation without trying to keep up with your own lies.

If you are questioned on your messages to him, I would calmly state that after a year of abuse, most people would be angry and upset and recount the incident that preceeded them.

You do not have to be an absolute angel, never putting a foot wrong in order for him to be convicted. I would clearly state the effect the abuse had on you, what it did you you as a person, as it will help your case, not hinder it.

Gosh that is so useful

Thank you

Isn't it normal for an abused person to snap back after months and months of being tormented

Look, I'm not suggesting its the same thing AT ALL, but there are plenty of very nasty little men in prison who murdered or attempted to murder other equally nasty little men, and are serving very long sentences. The unpleasantness of the victim isn't an issue, legally.

Please don't worry that you got angry, or sent angry texts. That is nothing compared to attempted murder. Is he being tried on two counts (you and the other partner), or just one?

Thank you

Just one charge of attempted murder

Horrible human

All my fault he says

I counted I have at least 25 emails from him saying
Sorry I put you in hospital
Your injuries do matter
Sorry I strangled you
But he has pleaded not guilty
Wtaf

I used to work for the Witness Service. It's important not to rehearse, just read through your statement and go back through it. If the worst comes to to worst you can have your statement with you. Only answer the question asked. Don't give any more than that, if they want more information they'll ask for it. Stay calm. Take a deep breath and just keep going. Don't take the defence questions personally, they are they to do a job.

@Thamigumathacharaid

I used to work for the Witness Service. It's important not to rehearse, just read through your statement and go back through it. If the worst comes to to worst you can have your statement with you. Only answer the question asked. Don't give any more than that, if they want more information they'll ask for it. Stay calm. Take a deep breath and just keep going. Don't take the defence questions personally, they are they to do a job.

Ok thanks so much

I have my statement

I know what happened

Just need to not get upset when his barrister comes along accusing me of all sorts
This seems to happen all the time

I also don't know if they are allowed to use the notes from my psychotherapy sessions

They haven't confirmed it yet

I work in a court (in Scotland though so things may vary slightly) and agree with all the advice you've been given previously.

I just wanted to comment on your previous point about his other court cases. The judge will not be aware of any other cases or previous convictions prior to hearing your case. Only once guilt is established ie when he either pleads guilty or if he is found guilty, will a list of his previous convictions be tendered to the judge. The judge will then look at these for any analogous offences and decide upon an appropriate sentence.

You asked about a lesser sentence for pleading guilty before the trial- In Scotland, yes, a discounted sentence would be given. The earlier the plea, the bigger the discount so if he pleads guilty before the trial goes ahead he would be entitled so some discount.

Also, it might be worth mentioning, if he does plead guilty or is found guilty, he most likely will not be sentenced there and then. The judge will most likely call for background reports. These are compiled by Social workers who will interview him and based on their findings will recommend sentencing options to the Court.

As I said, this is based on the procedure in Scotland so may not be exactly the same for you. If you have questions though, you can always call the Court or the CPS to ask about the process and they should be able to answer any query you have.

Best of luck to you

This is so useful thank you !!!!

So in court his previous offences won't be talked about witb his ex?
Makes sense I guess

But they will consider it if they sentence the scumy little so and so

Ughh I hate him

Why oh why did I not run after the first beating

No, they will not discuss any previous offences during your proceedings . The judge must look at your case on its own merits. Only once guilt is established can the judge be made aware. It's to give him a fair trial. I know, it doesn't seem fair on you, but the judge must be able to remain impartial throughout.

Hi there.

Firstly, I think you should have the right to request special measures. Witness care should be facilitating this with you and speak to the officer in case who can take your views into account, so that you can give your evidence.

You should be asked if you would like to give evidence from behind a screen, via live-link, and whether it is just the defendant you do not want to see. As they can hide you from the defendant but show you to the jury (if it's crown court). There's a few other options that can be discussed too. Including meeting a CPS prosecutor beforehand, to discuss any worries or questions!

I would also call the officer in case and speak to them about your worries and ensure they submit the relevant paperwork to CPS for trial.

I think it's great that you want to read your VPS out yourself, it's going to be very impactive.
I have been to court many times. Just be yourself. If you don't understand a question, then just say. If you don't remember, then say just that.

I hope this helps x

Very helpful thanks both

Others have said not to read the impact statement

I did request a screen

Just hope that doesn't go against me

Just to also add been told I can only attend after himself has testified

Sending you 💓and strength.
It takes courage and you can do this.
If he lies then always remember he needs evidence for his baloney.
Lots of strength.

True thanks so much

His lies are a bit crazy
And his story makes no sense

He sent me reems and reeems of emails with his version of it all
Hmmm 🤔🤔🤔😵

Thanks all x