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Witness assault

  • 17-03-2017 11:21pm
    #1
    pastorbarrett
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 605 ✭✭✭


    What happens if you call Garda after witnessing an assault? I reported an assault that I witnessed in person. The parties involved didn't see me. To be honest, as it's a small town, I want it to go no further in respect of my own part. They were taken off to the station. I did give my name over phone.


Comments

  • #2
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,624 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    meridiangroup wrote: »
    ....as it's a small town, I want it to go no further in respect of my own part.

    It doesn't work like that. Either you're prepared to go to court and give evidence as to what you saw or your account of what happened is worthless.


  • #3
    Samuel T. Cogley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    Assuming you felt one of the parties was the victim, if you want to live in a civilised society suck it up and make a statement which will likely result in you having to give evidence in court. Put yourself in the shoes of the victim to a crime if no one comes forward.


  • #4
    pastorbarrett
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 605 ✭✭✭pastorbarrett


    I've heard nothing back- should I anticipate a call? Is it a normal matter of course were gardai will follow up with callers? I suppose I'd fear for my safety If I were to make statement. I understand the moral aspect, but do I have to make one?


  • #5
    thestar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 503 ✭✭✭thestar


    It depends on how bad the assault was really, if somebody has been seriously injured you may get a witness summons. If its not overly serious and you dont make a statement then I wouldnt worry about it


  • #6
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,624 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    meridiangroup wrote: »
    They were taken off to the station. I did give my name over phone.

    'They' probably sobered up in the cells and unless one of them wants to press charges against the other, you'll probably hear no more about it.


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  • #7
    Peregrinus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,998 ✭✭✭✭Peregrinus


    If the guards decide to investigate further, with a view to prosecuting one or both of the people involved, you'll get a call.

    If you don't, it almost certainly means they are not proceeding with an investigation. This could be for a variety of reasons, but a common one would be that the victim of the assault doesn't want the offender prosecuted and isn't co-operating with the investigation. Without the evidence of the victim, there's usually no chance of a successful prosecution, so they don't waste further time on the matter.


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