New
Protection for Vulnerable Witnesses
Vulnerable witnesses in Greenock and
Inverclyde now have the right to give their evidence in safety, thanks to new
laws which came into force this week.
The new measures, welcomed
today by MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, allow witnesses in a
state of fear or with a mental illness to give evidence in court from behind a
screen or via video link. The
measures also include the use of a "supporter" who can sit beside the
witness to help reassure them and the use of a prior statement as the witness'
main evidence.
This is the latest raft of
powers from the 2004 Vulnerable Witnesses Act to come into force and will
protect witnesses involved in High Court and Sheriff Court jury cases, as well
as Children's Hearings court proceedings.
Speaking at the Victim
Support offices in Nicolson Street, Greenock, Mr McNeil said that all witnesses
would now be able to play a full role in ensuring justice was done.
“Giving evidence in court
proceedings can be daunting for any witness,” he said, “But
for the most vulnerable – those with learning disabilities, mental illness or
who fear for their safety – it can be an intimidating and frightening
experience which affects a their ability to give that vital evidence.
“Allowing witnesses to give
their evidence through video link or from behind screens will help them to
provide the best possible evidence in court – which is not only in the
witnesses’ interests, but in the interests of the justice system as a
whole.”
ENDS
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