Give Evidence In Court

[Fru124]

Hello i hope some of the law types will help me here.

I have a criminal record for abh dating from 4 years ago roughly. In my line
Of work i recently took a call from the police which helped them in their investigation into a suspect, will i be called to give a witness statement? Will my criminal record hinder the credibility of my statement if i was called upon? I understand about disclosure etc and i know my credibility will/could be questioned but if the police have a strong enough case will they need my statement?

Any info is greatly appreciated.

[New Judge]

It is unlikely your evidence will be needed unless you actually witnessed a crime. Did you?

[Fru124]

No i didnt witness a crime however when the police contacted me i gave them information which led them to proceed in the investigation, hence it could mean my info led to the arrest as such does this matter? Also when i have you here lol I received a suspended sentence (5 months for 2 years) in April 2010 does this mean it becomes 'spent' in 2017 (7 years after conviction) or 2019 (7 years after suspended period ended) bearing in mind I live in NI so the changes to the rehabilitation of offenders act haven't come into effect here yet.

[New Judge]

It matters if you are asking will you be required to give evidence. If you did not witness a crime but only provided information which encouraged the police to launch an investigation it is unlikely your evidence will be needed.

However, if it is needed, your bad character could be raised in court, though it is unlikely. As far as the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act goes there are minor differences in its operation in Northern Ireland but I do not know hat the differences are. In England and Wales the rehabilitation period for a prison sentence of less than six months is indeed seven years (three and a half years for those under 18) and it begins from the date of conviction regardless of the fact that the sentence was suspended.