What happens next?

The police will collect any additional evidence. If they feel they do not have enough facts at this stage they will not press charges.

Where they believe there is enough evidence they will refer the case to a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) lawyer who will decide if the evidence is good enough and if it is in the public interest to pursue a prosecution.

If you are the victim the police will let you know whether it has been decided to charge the suspect  or not.

If the accused admits his or her guilt, it is unlikely that you will have to give evidence and the person will appear at court for sentencing. Only about one of three cases prosecuted requires a witness to give evidence.

If the accused claims he or she is innocent and your evidence is important in establishing the facts of the case, however, you may need to go court.

If the suspect is given bail until the case is heard, the police will inform you accordingly. They will also tell you what the conditions of bail are (for example, the person may not be able to leave home between certain hours, or may not be able to visit particular areas).