An assault with witnesses but the police didn't take witness names? the person got off with just a caution. Why?

[jackie46]

A neighbour of mine got attacked by another neighbour (who 'seemed' quite mental), she was left with a bleeding nose and many bruises. There were numerous witnesses, some who interviened to stop the attack. The police were called. When the police arrived they asked a few questions, took no witness details, handcuffed and arrested the woman, for common assault and being drunk while in charge of a minor. The police also took her child. The next day she was realeased with a caution, then abused one of the witnesses, insinuating that the attack hadn't finished (this was reported also). Am I the only one who finds a mere caution shocking? Is there a reason no charges were pressed? I'd appreciate any help or advice of the subject. Is there a way to take this further?

[dh001]

Hi Jackie. There are several factors in deciding whether to caution or charge a person so the best thing to do at this stage is to get the victim to ring the police and ask them why the decision was made to caution.

There are concerns about police forces over-using cautions to deal with offences of violence, which is a quick and simple way to dispose of a crime report with a 'sanctioned detection' ( Modern policing is more about statistics and pie-charts).

Let us know of any reponse by the police and will can take it from there.

[zbearspirit]

Hi Jackie, the Police would have cautioned her because she has no previous convictions and admitted the assault. They would have been advised by the Crown Prosecution Service to take this action. Welcome to Justice in the 21st century.

[sumo19]

A caution is a standard disposal of an offender who has committed common assault these days if there are no more than two aggravating factors in the case.

Although you may think this is a let off, they wioll have a record on the police national computer. For this crime, thye are also likely to be found ineligible to countries such as America. Also, whenever they apply for a job requiring a standard criminal records check, the caution will show for the rest of thier life and this can severely hammer thier future.