Hello,
I'm hoping someone with legal knowledge can help me with something causing concern in my household.
On Thursday last week, after his works Christmas do, my husband was assaulted. He was walking with a colleague and was apprehended by three men, unprovoked. They only attacked him, not his friend, and the manage is quite minimal. Although all three had a go (punching him in the face), he managed to get away quickly and the only damage is to his face, nowhere else. He was not badly hurt, fortunately. He did not retaliate, just got himself away.
The police arrived and apprehended them, but because DH had run away, it created a lack in continuity in the attack so couldn't arrest them (???). They identified three cameras in the area that might have CCTV so they are going to try and pursue that and take a statement from DH this coming week if they have enough.
Here's the question: DH believes they may have been on drugs and also that they were just looking for someone to start on. He is concerned they have form and may do this again, but is also worried that, if there is a case and he presses charges, they will know his name and be able to find out his identity and whereabouts. Does anyone know if this is the case or whether a victim can request anonymity in these cases? We will ask the police but he's not expecting them to call until Wednesday.
DH is the most gentle, passive man you can imagine, and, although objectively it could have been much worse, this is affecting him and he is anxious.
Anyone with any insight? Would love to hear if anyone knows how these things unfold.
Thank you if you've read this far.