Johnny E

I was in a minor traffic accident last year and have just received notice that I am to be called to give evidence.

I don't believe I have anything of value to add to any case, as I was rear ended and didn't see what was happening behind me.

I have to travel 100 miles to get to the magistrates and as it is a morning sitting I will have to travel Sunday evening and stay overnight and as I am self employed this will generate quite a loss of earnings for me.

I have looked at the expenses you can claim, which are totally pathetic and won't cover half of what I will lose.

Does anyone know what reasonable excuses the Court will accept for non-attendance other than trying to get a sick note from the doctor.

I do not want to attend

Jamescsti

Did they provide you a contact number or a witness care office or similar?
If so give them a call and they will speak to the cps lawyer in charge of the case for you

Dazza01

Car breaks down, you phone the AA out to fix it that takes upto 60 mins to arrive they can't fix it cos you've made sure of it, they take you home, you phone court and give them the call ref number to check it

mrtheedge2u2

I didnt think it was obligatory to give evidence.

David Lock

Get up early and drive there. 100 miles doesn't take long at 6 in the morning.

Johnny E

Thanks for the advise

Its just going to be a total waste of time as I will not even reconise the guy behind me and I believe he had no insurance thats why I,m in court

My car was a company car and I have since left the company to set up on my own. I just cannot afford to waste 2 days.

Johnny E

I could do but I just dont want to go.....

mart360

Have you been suppoenad(sp) to attend?

if so get yourself up there....if not, a warrant will be issued for your arrest


Mart

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

If you don't turn up without first sorting it with CPS the case may be adjourned or the defence solicitor will make a big play on how you are a vital witness, this will give the CPS no option but to offer no evidence. Uninsured / careless driver walks away without punishment. Its because of the likes of them we pay so much for our insurance.

Abdabz

Send a friend who pretends he is you. Lend him one of your suits. If you have a hair cut between now and the court date, keep the hair and make a toupe' from it.
When the judge says to him "Tell the court in your own words what happened", tell your friend to say "Eplopstic watangoop liptabooble" or similar as these would be his OWN words...
There we go... All sorted

Leslie

You would be unwise not to go. They will need your evidence since you were involved. You should get full expenses anyway.

Les

Jerome

You done this before, haven't you...

DaveD

iTrader: (2)

Have you produced a statement about this case before now?
You may be able to give written evidence in leu of attendance, but I think that would need the agreement from the party that has called you to be a witness.

There should be some contact details on the paperwork sent to you - explain your circumstances and see if they will accept written evidence.

By just bunking-off, you'll probably undermine the case for the prosecution...

EddScott

Depends on the severity of the crime.

My mothers next door neighbour killed someone a little while ago. Although she didn't see it happen and he was pretty much dead when she got outside, she has to go or she will be arrested.

On the other hand the witness I needed to prove I and my pregnant partner were being threatened which gave me due cause to drive my car whilst over the DD limit chose that particular day to fly to Australia and no one batted an eyelid.

wrx-kris

you need to get arrested more
its summoned in this country! subpoena is in america

downside is, even although its not compulsory that you go, he will walk away free without you turning up

astraboy

Its compulsary that you attend.
Either turn up, or wait for the nice policemen to turn up and take you to court in handcuffs.
Choice is yours,
astraboy.