Book of evidence, what does this mean.

Welruc

My sister is involved in a case against a man.

It is involving historical abuse with the accused being married to our aunt. What he done to her happpened 20 years ago but it came to light recently when this man was arrested for abusing another young girl (5 year old).

So as far as i know there may be 8 girls now involved from different families and recently the man was arrested and in court charged on 23 counts. He was released on bail and a date was set next month for the book of evidence to be presented.

What does this mean and what happens next? I would like to know what usually happens in cases like these so i can be there for my sister.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

Welruc

Deos that mean that at the next court the book of evidence is just handed to his solicitor or is it read out, or both?

Would it also be available to those who brought the charges?

boardsuser1

deuceswild wrote: »

Deos that mean that at the next court the book of evidence is just handed to his solicitor or is it read out, or both?

Would it also be available to those who brought the charges?

was served with a book of evidence once.

The case was adjourned for a few weeks.

When I was in court the gardai handed it to me in the presence of my solicitor who I in turn gave it to.

You are entitled to a copy of your statement only. the accused is entitled to a copy of all statements from their own,accusers,gardai,medical reports etc.

I have experience of it as I outlined.

Welruc

KC161 wrote: »

was served with a book of evidence once.

The case was adjourned for a few weeks.

When I was in court the gardai handed it to me in the presence of my solicitor who I in turn gave it to.

So it is literally a book

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

boardsuser1

deuceswild wrote: »

So it is literally a book

I was handed it in a folder. it contained my statement, my accusers statements, those of the guards a video tape as I was under arrest,which in turn resulted in the charges also the key evidence in the case, an item that lead to my arrest.

N.B

I entered a not guilty plea.

My co- accused pleaded guilty to all charges.

The state subsequently entered nolle prosequi in my case.

Welruc

KC161 wrote: »

I was handed it in a folder. it contained my statement, my accusers statements, those of the guards a video tape as I was under arrest,which in turn resulted in the charges also the key evidence in the case, an item that lead to my arrest.

N.B

I entered a not guilty plea.

My co- accused pleaded guilty to all charges.

The state subsequently entered nolle prosequi in my case.

Would you know if this was available to your accusers also?

Kristopherus

deuceswild wrote: »

So it is literally a book

Op, is your sister's case included in the 23 current charges?

Welruc

Kristopherus wrote: »

Op, is your sister's case included in the 23 current charges?

Yes as far as im aware

boardsuser1

deuceswild wrote: »

Would you know if this was available to your accusers also?

Yes everything except the charges being struck out were the same as my co accused.

I must stress that what I was charged with was not an offence against any man woman or child.

Kristopherus

deuceswild wrote: »

Yes as far as im aware

Thanks, it crossed my mind on reading your OP. I just thought she may have missed out.

Fian

The book of evidence is not provided to witness in the case (such as your sister.) It would be inappropriate to have her evidence potentially influenced by the statements made by other witnesses. The book of evidence is basically all of the evidence that will be relied upon by the DPP - it shows the accused what case is being made against him.

It is quite likely that it won't be ready on the next occasion and that the case will be adjourned a number of times before it is served on the accused.

Once it has been served on the accused it is likely that his case will be sent forward to the circuit (or central depending on the charges) criminal court. It will then be for the accused to decide whether to plead guilty or go for trial. If the latter it will be quite some time before the case comes up for trial, before a jury.


There is along time to go yet most likely.