Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
#1
I am a witness to an assault that happened early on this year, I will give no more details than that.
My first court appearance was due in July which I attend, the case was not heard as there was another booked for the same Folkestone Magistrates Court so a new date given.
Turn up to Canterbury Magistrates Court this morning and the same thing happens again, a new date is set for March next year which is over a year from the original assault. Luckily I do not think my evidence is vital but how on earth can anyone be expected to recall the exact ins and outs after all that time. The really annoying thing is they knew on Friday the case would not be heard could they not have phoned to tell us but I guess that would that mean using their common sense.
This whole fiasco is not at all fair on anyone who is involved, that is apart from the fortune it must cost us all as tax payers.
Sorry all for this rant but I am so annoyed.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#2
No you are right to feel that way where is this turn round of 24hrs going to happen and courts siting for 24 hrs to get the back log down?
..That is what they said would happen
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#3
Don't think I would be very happy either, once is bad enough, there is no excuse for a second wasted journey.
Andy B
- Location: dover
- Registered: 10 Nov 2012
- Posts: 1,829
#4
I had a similar situation a couple of years back when my son was bitten by some smack-eds dog.First time round was cancelled and second time had to be cancelled due to the smack-ed supposedly turning up to the wrong court by mistake.A total waste of our time.Finally the hearing was heard in our absence(we was told nothing about it) and the final result was a fine,(compensation order) which was such a small piddling amount that it was an insult.To this day my son still has,nt seen a penny as the smack-ed is supposedly skint.What a waste of time.
Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
#5
Agreed Howard that was what annoyed me so much, I am not worried about giving evidence but I can imagine some will be a bag of nerves.
The best bit was when I mentioned I might withdraw my statement if it is postponed again only to be told I [B]could[B] be forced to give evidence and end up arrested if I refused, luckily this was said by someone with a smile on their face.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
#6
I doubt your son ever will Andy and as you say a waste of time.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#7
From what I understand a large proportion of fines together with victim payments are not paid even though the judge has given them time to pay off at £2 a week.
Recently we have had a few individuals given on the spot fines for littering in the district, none were paid so DDC took them to court. The defendants failed to appear so their fines are now tripled or quadrupled. My betting is that the courts will never receive the money and will make little effort in applying the law.