A brief update

[In despair 22]

Some of you may remember my story, daughter accused my boyfriend of rape. She then went on to accuse someone else months later too.
The case against my ex is going to trial, 6 weeks and counting. I've pinned everything on this, on just getting the truth some answers. Dear daughter has gone to live with her Dad over seas. I'm extremely worried she won't come back.
What would happen in regards to the case if she didn't? She is 18 now.
The second rape allegation was throughly investigated by the police, daughter told them that she didn't want anything to happen with the case and the police also drew on the conclusion she was confused but daughter still tells me it was rape.
I'm still living with me ex, who swears everyday he didn't do it.
I don't know how I've got through the past 11 months, it's worse than mourning a loved one, but I'm still here and still going strong can see the light at the end of the tunnel now just hope that I'm not being lied to by my ex.

[Rights Fighter]

If you are suggesting that she might not turn up for trial, she may well give evidence via video link from wherever she is living now

[Franticwithworry]

Do you have any knowledge of that RightsFighter, in terms of how it is arranged or how long it takes to arrange?

[Rights Fighter]

Not off the top of my head. I know the appeal that I am working on now, one complainant gave evidence via video link at a crown court close to where she now lives and the trial was up in the north of England.

[Franticwithworry]

Ok, thanks. I'm guessing that if, like In Despair 22's daughter, the complainant or witness is overseas, it gets a lot more complicated.

[In despair 22]

Dear daughter and I had a meeting with the police before she went away and it was made clear she can give evidence via video link but she needs to be in England.
Daughter has been somewhat elusive when asked about coming back as she needs to be here the week before to go over stuff from her video statement.

What would the courts/ police do if she won't return? Would they issue a warrant or something for her arrest?
What would happen with the case?

I have everything pinned on the truth coming out at the trial, just worried she isn't going to come back. Don't feel I can ask office in charge just yet as it still a good few weeks away and don't want to jump the gun.

[Rights Fighter]

I can't see why she cannot give evidence from wherever she is via video link

[Franticwithworry]

I can't see why she cannot give evidence from wherever she is via video link

If she's in a foreign country there may be legal channels to go through to arrange it that the prosecution or defence may not be willing to agree to. I'm just guessing though as there must be a reason why the solicitor says she has to be in England.

[Rights Fighter]

I've taken advice from Harvey

They will be able to give live evidence from abroad by videolink as long as that is compatible with the other country’s legal system. If it is the person that posts about a Complainant in Canada on Facebook they certainly allow the links:

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/v_to_z/v...utside_the_uk/

[Franticwithworry]

Interesting. And thank you. In Despair 22 doesn't say which country her daughter is in so that may be what is making the difference and for the solicitor to say that she has to be in England.

[Rights Fighter]

The link I posted may clarify that