Can I ignore court summons???

[Harryisabollock]

I really don't want to go.....gave a witness statement more than 6 months ago and really don't want to be involved any more between warring neighbours who are both as bad as each other. Should I seek legal advice? Don't want to be found in contempt if I don't show...and if I do go can I simply refuse to answer questions? Have no experience with this so advice is massively welcome.

Is it a civil or criminal case?

Who issued the summons?

No idea - it's a harassment case and just got a letter telling me to show up.

Magistrate court or civil court before a judge?

No.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/legal-system/going-to-court-as-a-witness1/you-might-have-to-go-to-court-as-a-witness/if-you-get-a-witness-summons/#:~:text=If%20you%27ve%20witnessed%20a,police%20if%20you%20don%27t.

Well it all depends!! Much more detail required!

Of course you can't ignore it - you could be found in contempt of court - up to two years in prison. Unlikely admittedly, but still an offence and a fine.

And no don't refuse to answer questions under oath. If you're afraid of repercussion talk to the court and tell them so they can make arrangements such as you only being visible to the solicitors and judge/magistrate.

Yes this....all live too close for comfort....

You can't ignore it and you will have to answer the questions.

If you contact 101- say your want to give a retraction statement and that you don’t support police action anymore, officers will come take a statement. You might still be summonised but you can make it clear you don’t support action.

I didn't know this...very useful. For some reason I thought I'd be able to just issue a statement but it's going to trial...I just want to be neutral....

Well if you’ve told the truth and stated fact that is neutral.

if it’s going to court that means the police believe criminal activity has taken place - are you happy for the perpetrator to get away with it?

Well it'll hardly be perceived as neutral by both parties will it? I just do not want to be involved in any way any more so will look into retracting my statement. It's ridiculous it's even gotten this far.

Reported self - sorry!