unsigned witness statement

[lorange]

Hi,
can an unsigned witness statement (unsigned by the witness) still be used by the cps?
thanks

[woofgang]

don't think so, otherwise they could just write anything...is it backed up by a taped interview?

[joggerjayne]

An unsigned statement has no evidential value whatsoever.

[lorange]

no, they went to the local police station, the officer there was really no good, it took about 1 and a half hours to give the statement, but they left and was not asked to sign, they were not taped or anything like that

[woofgang]

do they want the statement to be used..if they do then surely they can go back and get it corrected ie sign it in the presence of a police officer

[lorange]

hi woofgang,
i dont think they do want the statement to be used, they were called by the police a couple of days after the statement was given asking them to go to the police station and sign the statement, they never went and they havent been in contact since, the person who the statement was made against has to answer bail in may, what is likely to happen then?

[woofgang]

I have no training in this but have been having a look online and I think it depends on the seriousness of the crime. Witnesses can be subpoenaed to appear in court but I cannnot finsd out if that is so if a statement was given but not signed.
I am guessing if the person is bailed till May then the crime isn't murder or similar?