Sitting in crown court having a cup of tea

[daki]

Cheers mate sleep is a thing of the past now, wish you well as well

would update when im out of court

[NOHOPE]

good luck for today

[daki]

Cheers mate ..........

[RFLH]

Hope all goes well Daki - head high.

[tango]

cheers guys i just dread the day the trail start on one side ill be glad when its over but on the other side i have to stand there accused of the worst crime a man can be accused off. i just feel horrid as soon as i walk in there and the public look at you, all i think off is what must they think and im a innocent man.

[Saffron]

Good luck to both of you for today.

[Amre]

Just a quick good luck. You're in my thoughts today.

[lawlessone2009]

Yeah, sleep... Few hours at a time and them BOOM, wide awake and thoughts running all over the place...

Anyways, hope it's all still running smoothly for you guys and it all ends on a positive.

[tango]

hey all im in court for trial on 21 may, i didnt have to attend today which i found weird but on the court list it said special measures? do anyone know what that mean.
hope your day went well daki

[Saffron]

Sorry Tango, I don't know what "special measures" means but I am sure others who do know will be along soon.

[daki]

Hi All

I got my date today its june the 11th,the prosecution said they cant get hold of a witness

the accuser is expecting a baby one would have thought after a serious sexual assault it would be a while before she starts bedding dudes or is it just me?

I am super confident in my team Gerry says sit back and wait really while he goes to work

if you have just been charged or are unhappy with your legal team two names come to mind Gerry Mcdonald and Chris Saltrese do it before its too late

and I am so grateful for this site support and recommendation

[Saffron]

Daki, I'm so pleased that we have been able to support you, even if only in a small way.
I'm sorry, but promiscuity is common among genuine survivors of rape. They are trying to reassure themselves that sex can be "normal"

Stay strong friend

[NOHOPE]

hey all im in court for trial on 21 may, i didnt have to attend today which i found weird but on the court list it said special measures? do anyone know what that mean.

i have copied the below off the cps site

"Special Measures" are a series of provisions that help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses give their best evidence in court and help to relieve some of the stress associated with giving evidence. Special measures apply to prosecution and defence witnesses, but not to the defendant.

Many witnesses experience stress and fear during the investigation of a crime and subsequently when attending court and giving evidence. Stress can affect the quantity and quality of communication with, and by, witnesses of all ages. Some witnesses may have particular difficulties attending court and giving evidence due to their age, personal circumstances, fear of intimidation or because of their particular needs.

The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (YJCEA) introduced a range of measures that can be used to facilitate the gathering and giving of evidence by vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. The measures are collectively known as "Special Measures" and are subject to the discretion of the court.

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Eligibility for special measures

Vulnerable witnesses are defined by section 16 YJCEA as:
All child witnesses (under 18); and
Any witness whose quality of evidence is likely to be diminished because they: are suffering from a mental disorder (as defined by the Mental Health Act 1983);
have a significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning; or
have a physical disability or are suffering from a physical disorder.


Intimidated witnesses are defined by section 17 YJCEA as those suffering from fear or distress in relation to testifying in the case. Complainants in sexual offences are defined by section 17(4) as automatically falling into this category unless they wish to opt out.

Witnesses to certain offences involving guns and knives are similarly defined as automatically falling into this category unless they wish to opt out.

Victims of domestic violence, racially motivated crime and repeat victimisation, the families of homicide victims, witnesses who self-neglect/self-harm or who are elderly and/or frail might also be regarded as intimidated.

Being eligible for special measures does not mean that the court will automatically grant them. The court has to satisfy itself that the special measure or combination of special measures is likely to maximise the quality of the witnesss evidence before granting an application.

While the legislation distinguishes between vulnerable and intimidated witnesses in respect of the criteria for their eligibility for special measures, it is important to remember that:
some witnesses may be vulnerable as well as intimidated;
other witnesses may be vulnerable but not subject to intimidation;
and others may not be vulnerable but may be subject to intimidation.

It is important not to attempt to categorise witnesses too rigidly.

and Daki so glad you are feeling confident and yes i agree with the pregnancy bit as a woman i think if i had been assaulted it would be a while before any relationship happendend, but this is just my opinion as i have never been assaualted

[daki]

to kill a mocking bird

[Saffron]

I would guess that special measures will be things like allowing the accuser to give evidence behind a screen or via videolink. Also possible restrictions on what the press can report.