Information for young people
What happens when you witness a crime?
Jerome saw a robbery taking place at a local shop.
The robbery
"It could happen to you."
It was just an ordinary day at the corner shop… when suddenly everything changed.
The robbery was witnessed by Jerome.
The chase
"We've done nothing wrong!"
"We're just out for a run"
Pressure from his girlfriend
Being a victim or a witness to a crime can be tough.
"Should I tell? What do I do?"
The victim needs Jerome's help
"I can't be sure what they look like."
The Duty Prosecutor makes her decision
"We need evidence!"
"You need another witness."
"There isn't enough evidence for a conviction."
The police are not responsible for making the decision to prosecute the defendant. That decision is made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The Duty Prosecutor works for the CPS.
The reluctant witness
"I don't know what is going to happen, mum. I'm worried about what will happen to me if I tell what I saw."
Mum took Jerome to the police station to report the robbery.
"Let's see what they can do to help."
"OK, I'll tell the police what I saw."
Talking it over
Jerome meets the police officer.
The police will tell you about what will happen if you have to go to court. Let them know if you need extra help.
There are things that the court can do to make it easier for you to give your evidence. These are called ‘special measures'.
Special measures include:
- TV link
- Screens
- Intermediaries
The court will want to know your views. Other things can be arranged too. You may be able to:
- Use a door other than the main entrance to go in to and leave the court building
- Use a waiting room not used by the defendant and their family and friends.
There will be people at court who can help you.
The witness care officer will tell you who can help you.
Let us know if you need extra help.
The video interview
What happened to you or what you saw will be recorded on a DVD and this will be used in court as your evidence.
The arrest
"I'm arresting you for…"
Support for Jerome
A witness supporter who knows the building and court procedures will be there to help you before the trial and on the day. It may be possible for members of your family to be there too.
"Can my Mum come?"
"Yes, she isn't a witness, so she can sit with you before you give your evidence."
Keeping in touch
"We've got a date for the trial."
"I can arrange for you to look around the court before then if you think it would help."
The court visit
The court visit will let you see where everyone sits in the courtroom, and you can find out what happens when you give evidence.
Jerome in the TV-link room
When your DVD is played, you will sit in a room with a TV screen and a camera.
Someone will be in the room with you.
Jerome meets the lawyer
We will try to make sure you meet the prosecution lawyer. If you are at the Crown Court, the prosecutor will usually be wearing a wig and a gown.
"What do I do if I don't understand the question?"
"Say you don't understand. If I think the defence lawyer is being too harsh when asking you questions, I will ask the magistrate or judge to do something about it."
What might happen when Jerome goes to court?
The defendant might:
- Plead guilty
- Plead not guilty
- Be found guilty
- Be found not guilty
If the defendant pleads guilty, Jerome will not have to give evidence
If the defendant pleads not guilty, Jerome will have to go to court to give evidence
If the magistrates or jury are absolutely certain that the defendant did the crime, they will be found guilty
If the magistrates or jury decide that there is not enough evidence for them to be absolutely certain that the defendant did the crime, they will be found not guilty
Will Jerome's name be in the newspaper?
The court will usually make an order that your name will not appear in the newspapers when your case is reported.
"I am making an order that the names of the young witnesses should not be published."
Thanking Jerome
"Thank you for coming to court to be a witness."
"It wasn't easy, but I'm glad I did it."
