I’m appearing as a witness in an anti-social behaviour case. What support is available?
The representative from the agency applying for the ASBO (e.g. your local authority or police) should put you in touch with people who may be able to offer support. They should, if necessary assess your home environment to understand what witness protection measures are required (such as installing new locks on windows and doors, a panic button). They should also give details of an emergency out of hours contact. If you do not wish to come forward to give evidence, the agency applying for the ASBO should consider the use of hearsay evidence containing anonymised witness statements and professional witnesses It is a criminal offence if a person knowingly performs an act intended to intimidate another person who is or may be a witness in civil or criminal proceedings. The penalty can be up to five years in prison. If you are an intimidated or vulnerable witness (under 17 years old or whose quality of evidence is likely to be diminished because they have a mental disorder or learning disa
