Evidence

[Jo5678]

How do courts deal with cases in where the only evidence is statements? How can they exactly prove you done it. They could be making lies up and just telling everyone to say that on the statements??? Don't understand. Scotland

[nailit]

Statements are taken from witnesses. And witnesses can lie. And then you're stuffed.
I had a crown court trial 4 years ago. The alleged offence was against the police. The police blatantly lied in court (the 2 officers in question even contradicted each other in the witness box). But the jury still found me guilty because for some reason joe public believes that the police don't tell porkies!
Forgive me if I sound cynical....

[murraymints]

don't blame you Nailit..I know many coppers and some of their stories do not instil trust, faith or confidence in the integrity of the uniform...

[nailit]

Hey minty, how are you?
Some people just seem to think no smoke without fire, etc. A bit different when you've been on the receiving end.
Obviously not tarring all with the same brush though.

[Mamyalynne]

Do you have a solicitor Jo?

Talk over your concerns with them and also see if they can rearrange the two cases to be at the same court.

[murraymints]

hanging in Nailit ..xx .. not a great fan of the legal process Nailit... been in a few Nicks doing pre release courses ...met some really nice folks...I know of a few cases where evidence has been magic "ed" up..and untruths told by those who "should know better "

[murraymints]

if the cases are related it may be possible to hear them concurrently, but if not related then 2 trials will be held...you can be called to court on a charge whilst serving time for another offence...then I think any sentence is simply added to that being served already....speak to your solicitor he/she can answer all your quwstions

[nailit]

//been in a few Nicks doing pre release courses//
Didn't realise you're an ex con minty lol, ;-)

[Jo5678]

But will the court know I have an upcoming trial in a different court? It's 2 sheriff courts. Do they look into things like that????

[murraymints]

only if it is pertinent to the case...they are only concerned with that on the table so to speak, but speak to your solicitor...

lol Nailit...sewing mail bags !

[Jo5678]

One case is vandalism and breach of the peace on March 2017, which I wasn't even involved in, my name has just been given by 3 people on a statement so that's a lie for starters. And the other case is theft in which I was arrested and charged but that was May 2016.

[murraymints]

then they are 2 entirely different cases and 2 trials with 2 sets of statements witnesses etc are necessary ...if you happen to get a custodial for the first case, which sounds unlikely, you will be taken to court from custody for the second .

[EDDIE51]

You really do need to get a solicitor to help you with your court problems. A solicitor will be able to sort out the court dates for the different cases and help you prepare a defence. We can't really do much on here you must get a solicitor!

[New Judge]

If you disagree with the evidence provided in a written statement you are entitled to call the wtness to court to give their evidence "live". They can then be cross-examined on their testimony. If you call them and they do not attend their evidence cannot be admitted.