Info for Witnesses
It is a criminal offence to intimidate a witness or anyone helping the police in an investigation. If you suffer harassments or threats before, during or after a court case, you should tell the police immediately. There is protection and support available from the legal system and external agencies for people acting as witnesses to a crime.
Witnesses’ identities can be protected during the investigation of a trial and during early stages of the prosecution process. In exceptional cases, a witness’ identity can be protected throughout the trial itself. In more extreme circumstances, victims and witnesses can be relocated by the Police working in partnership with Local Authorities. (www.cjsonline.gov.uk/victim/coming_forward/witness_protection/). For more information on acting as a witness, please see www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/Goingtocourt/DG_070444.