Can someone be made to give a statement

[FamilyLawAdvice]

So I reported a rape to the police. They asked whom I had told and I gave them the information they wanted including the name of a friend.

Said friend has now said he doesn't want to give a statement to the police due to personal reasons and can't be made to do so.

Is this correct? The police are aware he is the first person I told however he is not the only one.

They can try and persuade him but can't force him. The Crown could cite him as a witness for any trial and, if he didn't turn up, have him arrested but unlikely to do so if they don't have a statement from him.

I don't know. But what I do know is that he isn't really your friend is he?

Sorry to hear about the rape.

BIWI - No, it's transpired he really isn't