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Appendix 4 Analysis of Questionnaires Completed by Witnesses at Courts in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Elgin
1. How were you told of the need to come to court?
The responses were:
- Letter from the Fiscal
- Told by police
- Phoned
- Other - please state
52 witnesses were told to come to court by receipt of a letter from the Fiscal, 18 were told by the police to come, 2 were informed by letter and phone and 4 were informed by letter and police.
2. How much notice did you get of the need to come to court?
The answers ranged from 1 day to 5 months with the majority given 1 months notice or more. Six witnesses did not respond to the question.
3. Did you receive information….
- On being a witness?
- On the location of the court?
62 witnesses received information on being a witness and 58 received information on the location of the court. Four witnesses did not respond to the question.
4. Did you ask to be excused attendance?
4 witnesses asked to be excused from attending court 1 of which was not happy that they were told to they had to attend.
5. Did you receive information on what was happening while you were waiting at court?
74 of the 77 witnesses received information at court. 3 said they did not.
To the supplementary question: If yes, was this every two hours? 32 of the witnesses said yes, 38 did not respond (possibly they were not there 2 hours) and 7 said no but did not specify whether it was less or more than two hours.
To a further supplementary question: How did you receive this information - 57 did not answer this part. 12 said the Witness Service told them, 1 said the prosecutor and 7 said they were told.
6. Were you treated with courtesy?
75 out of 77 said that they were. The remaining 2 didn't provide any further information
To the supplementary: Were you given a prompt response to any enquiry? 68 witnesses said that they were and 1 replied no. 8 did not respond to this part.
7. Did you ask for a pre-trial court visit?
2 out of 77 said they did and this was arranged.
8. Do you have any special needs?
3 out of 77 said that they had and these needs were met.
9. Any further comment?
- 4 said very helpful
- 1 would appreciate being informed about a pre-trial visit option ( NB: this is only available under the Vulnerable Witnesses Act ( VWA))
- 1 indicated that they were reluctant to attend because of the time wasted sitting around waiting to be called.
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