Refusal To Give Witness Statement

[Snafu03]

On NYE I dropped a friend off at her house and witnessed a violent crime. She also gave my name and number to the police as she knows I saw what happened.

I initially agreed to give a statement but have since found out the family name involved and decided against it - think the police were a bit peeved, which is understandable. They tried to convince me and said all the family had provided statements (agaisnt one of the sons)

I told the police it was a family feud which will no doubt be patched up and I didnt want my name associated with it.

Question: I am a taxi driver and witnessed this crime whilst in my taxi. Even though the police wouldnt have given my name they may've told the family a taxi driver is prepared to give a statement. As this is a small town it wouldnt take too many guesses.

Think I'm between a rock and a hard place now. If I dont give a statement the family may be upset and if I do then the defendant will!

[NOX]

If it was just a bit of fight between grown adults both reasonably able to take care of themselves then I'd just keep your head down and hope it goes away- if someone clopped an old dear on the back of the head with a brick then that's a different matter.

[Snafu03]

are the police likely to tell the family that I've declined to give a statement?

[murraymints]

shouldn't think so...I would be inclined to keep out of it...they have the other witness statements to go on.

[ummmm]

The police won't say anything.

I would go with what Nox says.