Does DD have to appear in court?

[Cocolepew]

She was assaulted, one of the girls didnt accept a caution and the prosecution service went ahead to prosecute.

I think she has pleaded not guilty, DD is 12, can she refuse to go and have it dropped or will she be made to go?

Sorry Im trying to be vague.

Has she received a summons? if so, she will have to go. If she doesn't, shes in contempt of court.

I understand she's probably scared but if everyone who was a witness in a court case refused to appear then there would be no guilty verdicts ever. There is help and advice available from victim support and witness care if she would like anything to be explained to her.

No not yet, will she definitely be issued with one ?

Probably, if the defendant continues to plead not guilty, the case is continued all the way to court and the CPS decides your daughter is a key witness. There's a small chance they may just use the statement she gave to the police but this is totally dependent on what is disputed / what the case is about etc.

Ok, thanks for replying

if she receives summons they will give you a witness support advice leaflet too, speak to them and they can arrange for your dd to give evidence from behind a screen/video link etc if she really can't face the other person in court.

Thanks, she will be in a separate room and will have someone from the NSPCC with her , I know that much. I'll know more today.

Feel free to PM me, OP, I'm a police witness care officer :)

Thank you, that's very kind .

We are in contact with Victim Support and the NSPCC vunerable witness service.