Can you get into trouble for ignoring a witness summons?

[rob666]

In my earlier post i described about a friend of mine who is going to be summons to give evidence in court for a common assault charge. my friend no longer wants to give evidence but is concerned that if he doesnt turn up to court that he will be prosecuted or even arrested and brought to court to give evidence. is it best for him to simply not turn up, or to go to court on the day and and simply refuse to say anything? he is the alledged victim of the assault and the main witness in the case. many thanks in advance ;)

[lynseylouh]

Yes, if you are summonsed to court as a witness, then you do have to attend. If you don't, you can be arrested, and prosected.

[rob666]

Ok understood but is this likely they will proceed? after all he has just apparently been assaulted?

[Richard1966]

Yes. contempt of court action are not unusual for not turning up when summonsed.

[rob666]

ok thanks to both of you. is this likely to be aprison sentance as my friend has a reasonalbly clean sheet and is he within his rights to turn up and say nothing?

[Buenchico]

Anyone held to be in contempt of court can be imprisoned until such time as they've 'purged the contempt' (i.e. indefinitely).

Further your friend risks being charged with 'attempting to pervert the course of justice'. Anyone convicted of that offence is nearly always sent to prison. The maximum sentence is life imprisonment.

Chris