Witness support scheme launched

The service, designed to encourage more witnesses to testify in court, will operate first in Hartlepool and then Middlesbrough.

Witness care units were piloted last year in five areas in England and Wales and will now be launched on Teesside.

Government statistics show there was an increase of nearly 20 per cent in witness attendance rates and a 27 per cent reduction in the number of trials which had to be adjourned in areas where the support scheme was running.

The support service - Called No Witness No Justice - will be set up by the Crown Prosecution Service and police.

Cleveland's first unit will open in Hartlepool on Monday, January 31, and two Middlesbrough units will open later in the year.

Staff will assess witnesses to identify any problems they may have while attending court, such as child care or transport issues. They will also reassure them about possible revenge attacks by convicted criminals and their families.

Martin Goldman, chief Crown Prosecutor for Cleveland, said: "The project is an important element in a new approach where prosecutors and police work together from the very beginning of a case to make sure key elements are in place, such as the right charge and good witness support, so that the case can proceed more smoothly once it reaches court.

"No Witness No Justice has the potential to transform the experiences of victims and witnesses in Cleveland."

Sean Price, Chief Constable of Cleveland Constabulary, said: "It is significantly important for victims and witnesses to feel that the criminal justice system supports them.

"An independent valuation has shown that the introduction of a joint agency response to victim and witness issues has been successful. By demonstrating that the system values them and the significant contribution they make to the administration of justice in this country many more witnesses in pilot areas have turned up for court and more offenders brought to justice.