25 years for essential aid to justice in York and North Yorkshire

When the Witness Support service first started working with witnesses it was regarded with suspicion by lawyers and others, who feared it might contaminate witnesses’ evidence and lead to trials being aborted.

But now it is seen as an essential aid to ensuring that witnesses give the best possible evidence by as far as possible taking away the stress of giving evidence and being cross-examined.

Twenty-five years after the first volunteer started working with witnesses in the county, members of the service past and present gathered in the High Sheriff’s Dining Room at York Crown Court with the national head of their service, Marios Leptos, and Jane Forman, manager of its north region, to reminisce, talk about the future and cut a special cake. The celebrations continued with a meal in a local restaurant.

Pat Clements has been a volunteer since she saw an ad in The Press 25 years ago: “It’s absolutely fascinating,” she said. “I have been privileged to see how the service has grown and developed to become respected by all the other agencies that work in the court. People were very suspicious at first.”

She and her colleagues come from all walks of life, including ex-magistrates, ex-police officers, social workers, and those who are interested in the criminal justice system.

They work at the county’s magistrates and crown courts with witnesses for the defence and the prosecution making them feel at ease in court, telling them what to expect and the support they can receive. They are not allowed to discuss the witnesses’ evidence in any way, and make no judgements about those they help.

They organise court visits for witnesses who want to see the court before the trial, and they can sit behind child and vulnerable witnesses. At times, they have to help and comfort witnesses who break down in court.

From October, they have also provided an outreach service, meeting witnesses in their homes before they give evidence.