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Narrative statements: -
Made by the people who have played a part in the event at issue?
Production statements: -
made by people who are employees, who have access to computer systems or documents, but: -
Cannot testify as to how the information was entered on to the systems, as it may have been done by
other people in the organisation.
Statements by expert witnesses:
Include analysis and comment and can include personal opinion within their professional remit.
What is a VPS Witness Statement?
This is a statement made by the victim of a criminal offence. It is recorded on form MG11 and the content relates
to the effect the offence has on them.
The Purpose of VPS forms are: -
These statements provide the victim with an opportunity to state how the offence has affected them:
Physically
Emotionally
Psychologically
financially, or
in any other way victim an opportunity to say if they require further support, or wish to claim
compensation.
To provide the Home Office and the courts with information on these matters and allow them to take
an account of the consequences of the offence on the victim. These statements are voluntary and are
separate to other statements. They are disclosed to the defence.
Victim Personal Statements: -
When a VPS is used in court the VPS is put before the court after conviction in the sentencing bundle. (Impact
Statement)
If a police officer takes a witness statement in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, they must record it on an
MG11 form.
All investigating police officer’s must keep the original copies of all witness statements in the case file and send
copies to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Before a witness signs a witness statement the investigating police officer’s must always explain to whom ever is
filling out the form: the perjury clause before they make the statement.
A statement taken in this form meets the legal requirements, and so they may not have needed to attend
court:
But you must make it clear the Home Office cannot guarantee they will not have to attend the court
because the court and the defendant have the right to call any witness to attend and give oral evidence.
When any police officer questions the witness they must make sure of the following: ask all relevant questions
to satisfy their duty under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996, so to be able to pursue all
reasonable lines of enquiry whether they point towards or away from the suspect.
The Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO) Witness Statements Do Not Contain Signature of Truth: -
PRACTICE DIRECTION 22 – STATEMENTS OF TRUTH
Documents to be verified by a Statement of Truth are: -
1.1
Rule 22.1(1) set’s out the documents which must be verified by a statement of truth. The documents include: -
(1) A statement of case,
(2) A response complying with an order under rule 18.1 to provide further information,
(3) A witness statement,
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