Why Are The Police Taking So Long

[BigRooster]

Make it quick last year Xmas Eve I was accused of assault which never happened police were called by they never came to me until 5 months later I gave my account then informed there was witnesses and he would be speaking to them “ just happened to be all family “ and told me I would be charged under common assault.
This was back in May and haven’t heard a word what’s going on why is this taking so long .

[New Judge]

If you are to be charged with Common Assault, court proceedings must begin within six months of the date of the offence (unless the offence occurred in Scotland, where it is 12 months).

[THECORBYLOON]

The CPS site has different guidance.

"The proceedings can be commenced when both the following apply:

at any time within 2 years from the date of the offence to which the proceedings relate, and
within six months from the first date the victim made a statement or was interviewed about the incident, (section 39A(4) CJA 1988)."

That means someone could take months to report an incident and subsequently be interviewed but the six months' limit would not be backdated.

[BigRooster]

Ok
The so called assault was reported 24th Dec 21 and statement given but police didn’t take my statement till 10th May 22 and I haven’t heard anything so how long do they have to come back to me

[barry1010]

Don't be frightened to call the police and ask what is happening with the case.

[FatticusInch]

Have you been formally interviewed yet with a solicitor present?

[FatticusInch]

I only ask because if you’ve made a statement then surely that would have been under caution after interview?

[New Judge]

Yes Corby. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (2022) makes that provision. I don't think it's appropriate here because (1) it only applies in cases of domestic violence (and apart from "just happened to be all family" there's no indication the allegation is one that would be defined as DV). But more importantly it seems the alleged victim had made a complaint and it was on that basis I replied.

[BigRooster]

I was interviewed under caution no solicitor and made statement then he told me I would be charged with common assault but he still need to speak to witnesses but this was May and I’ve heard nothing just don’t get it

[barry1010]

BigRooster, the only way to find out is to call them.

[New Judge]

What is your relationship to the alleged victim?