Atherston Matters

[Ralph]

Yeah my initial reaction was to panic really as I hadn't had any indication that I would be called as a witness whilst others had, but the more I think, in particular, about those cowards hitting an elderly man leaving the toilets totally unaware of what was going on makes my blood boil. Using a walking stick and having difficulty breathing made him an easy target.
I guess that's me signed up then.

With regards to this, whilst Police officers have the opportunity (and are trained) to read from their statements (made at the time) in court, is this a right offered to (civilian) witnesses?

[Steelworks End]

Don't think it is a right, but if a written witness statement is accepted by both prosecution and defence counsels it can be read out as evidence. Otherwise, as mentioned witnesses can refer to their statements before going into the court, but they are then subject to cross-examination. What the police refer to in the court is their notebooks written at the time, rather than a statement which could be written some time later.

What evidence is, or is not, admissible is something for the Judge to rule on.

[blue nige]

we should be careful what we say on here about this,we don`t want them to get off on some technicality!

[Chris Benoit]

Is there even a date sorted for this yet?

[boyliegladbach]

Is there even a date sorted for this yet?

I think Someone on the bus said September.

[Holkerbird]

September 28th and trials could last up to 5 weeks. They are trying to do a video link for us from Barrow so we don't have to travel.
The perpetrators are probably hoping we won't be bothered after all this time but every time I think of one of our fans, an elderly man with mobility difficulties, being attacked makes me more determined than ever.
I am nervous about it but we have to stand up and be counted or these people get away doing horrible things.

[Wintergreen]

Sometimes a woman's got to do what a woman's got to do. Everyone is right behind you Elaine and anyone else who is appearing before the courts in this matter; we know you'll give good account as it will be the honest truth.

[Chris Benoit]

It's rather ridiculous that it's taking near on (if not more than) 2 years since this day to bring these people to court. Things were bad enough that day with what happened to many of you but to have people worrying and stressing for this long is out of order. I hope those affected finally get what they deserve.

[John Very Little]

I seem to remember someone saying that if those who have given witness statements get called to court (in this case over 200 miles away) and can't or don't turn up then they will get into trouble themselves? Sadly what tends to happen in many cases these days is that the defendants plead not guilty to charges put against them and then when the witnesses turn up in court they immediately change their plea to guilty. Just hope that happens here before then as I don't think they'll stand a chance against Holkerbird!! Such a shame its taking so long to get some justice (hopefully).

[mrsenario]

Wonder how the Atherstone sentances will compare to those chester fans on the newsletter today who shouted through the minutes silence in the game V Wrexham

[K_BFC]

I seem to remember someone saying that if those who have given witness statements get called to court (in this case over 200 miles away) and can't or don't turn up then they will get into trouble themselves?

From what I recall you will only get into trouble if your expected to turn up and you don't tell them your not going and the reason for not going, like ill with a doctors note. The court could issue a summons requiring you to turn up at a specific time. If you fail to turn up with a summons, you will likely be arrested. Witnesses can always ask the court if they are required to attend before hand to avoid any mistakes. A case I was involved in stood a far better chance of success with me there, and I was told it probably would have collapsed had myself and other witnesses stayed away.

[DaveC]

I came very close to taking a group of folks with learning difficulties to this match, so glad I never did.

[McMark]

Finally seeing it's days in the courtroom. Good luck to those that do attend court in bringing them to justice! The Minions close address is very fitting!
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/six-men-w ... -1.1211882

[McMark]

http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/men-deny- ... -1.1212868

[Holkerbird]

What a load of rubbish. They had their own catering outlets on their own side so there was no reason to come over to the area we were in.
It was a two pronged attack. Those coming from behind the stand and the others coming across the pitch.
How could "have you ever been in trouble with the police?" be mistaken for in Crown Court? It shows the mentality and intellect in the reply.
I hope they get all they deserve and the passage of time doesn't lessen what happened.