Can I Withdraw A Statement I Made To The Police?

[BuzzyBee03]

I was a witness to an assault, due to being called by the police and them visiting my house I agreed to make a statement. It was almost 6 months ago and I can't really remember the full details of what happened, also I do not want to be involved in the court case. How do I go about withdrawing my statement?

[EDDIE51]

You can not withdraw a statement once you have made it.
All you can do is to make a second statement saying why the first one is wrong. The first statement can still be used as evidence and you can be questioned about why you wanted to change it.

[woofgang]

this question keeps getting asked and the answer is always the same
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Law/Question1370616.html

[woofgang]

hello EDDIE I posted a link to the last time you said that :)

[EDDIE51]

Also if you are called as a witness you do not have a choice you MUST attend or you can be arrested and brought to the court.

[EDDIE51]

Thanks woofgang
Buzzy bee, is this a 'domestic violence' case by the way?
If so, asking to withdraw statements is so common that the CPS always prosecute if there is sufficient evidence. This evidence can be police statements about why they were called to the assault and/or medical evidence of injuries.
In a domestic violence case the person VERY often wants to withdraw the original statement because they have been threatened with more violence unless they do so.

[MallyJ]

I am not sure what you are concerned about but it may be that you made a statement at the time and now do not really remember what you said then. This happened to me when I witnessed an assault in the street.At court I asked the police to show me my original statement. That made it all clear. I suggest you ask to see what you said at the time. I understand giving evidence is really hard but honestly it is not that difficult. Should this happen again ask for a copy of your statement at the time or write it all out for yourself. you can refresh your memory when you need to. Good luck!

[Buenchico]

As has been said, in domestic violence cases the general policy of the Crown Prosecution Service is to continue with a prosecution even when a complainant seeks to withdraw their evidence:
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/d_to_g/domestic_abuse_guidelines_for_prosecutors/#a39

Further, refusing to give evidence in court can result in a complainant being jailed, as here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-mid-wales-11707903