Supporting Child Witnesses

One of the most distressing areas of crime the Crown Prosecution Service has to deal with is the sexual abuse of children. Although no more prevalent here than anywhere else, Gloucestershire has recently seen a number of these disturbing cases coming to court.

On 2 August William Barber was found guilty of sixteen offences of indecent assault and two of indecency with a child alleged to have taken place in the 1980s and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.  During the trial the jury at Gloucester Crown Court heard harrowing evidence from eight victims who are now all adults. Judge Tabor said the witnesses had shown great courage in coming to give evidence about something so harrowing which had happened to them as children.

On 3 August Stephen Dowdeswell appeared before Gloucester Crown Court and pleaded guilty to a total of 26 offences of rape, indecent assault, sexual activity with a child, possessing indecent images and making indecent photos of children. The case has been adjourned for sentencing on 1 September, but Dowdeswell has already been warned to expect life imprisonment.

Thankfully, the young children abused by Dowdeswell were spared the ordeal of having to give evidence because he pleaded guilty. Going to court can be intimidating, especially for children, which is why young victims and witnesses are nowadays only called upon to give evidence in court when it is absolutely necessary. 

In many cases the childs videotaped statement to the police can be played to the court, or their written statement can be read out and the child may not have to appear in court at all. It is also reassuring to know that in any case involving children the court will usually make an order stating their names or any information that can lead to them being identified cannot be published in the newspapers or other media when the case is reported.

If a child does have to give evidence, everything possible will be done to put them at ease and prevent them from feeling intimidated. Often they can give evidence from a separate room using a live television link to the courtroom. If they do give evidence in the courtroom, the Witness Service, part of the charity Victim Support, can arrange a pre-trial visit to the court so the child knows what to expect beforehand and the CPS can arrange for the child to meet with the prosecuting lawyer to ask any questions they may have.

Other Special Measures for children, which can be arranged via the Witness Care Officer assigned to the case, include: screens around the witness box to prevent the child from having to see the defendant, the judge and lawyers in the Crown Court can remove their wigs and gowns so the court feels less formal and intimidating, members of the public can be asked to leave the court room while the child is giving evidence, communication aids (for example an alphabet board) can be used to help younger children give evidence, a trained  intermediary can be used to help younger children or those with learning difficulties or disabilities understand questions and help the court understand their answers.

Further support available:

The NSPCC has a Young Witness Support program offering advice for children appearing in court.
telephone 0808 800 5000

Victim Support is a charity that provides support to victims, witnesses and their families.
telephone: 0845 30 30 900
email: contact@victimsupport.org.uk