Fight on a bus

Honorable

I was on a bus when a row broke out between two people. The Gardai were called and took name of the person who was not getting off at that stop and got off with the person who was.

I was sitting near them and didn't see the alleged assault but I saw the verbal row after. They blamed each other for the first slap. "You hit me first no you hit me first"

I was curious if the Gardai asked me if i saw anything would I be obliged to answer. And if they asked my name would I be obliged to tell them? I know they could summon me as a witness but if I refused to get involved what would happen.

What legislation would apply?

BaronVon

No, they can't demand your name in such a situation, and they can't force you to give your account of the incident.

Peregrinus

You are not obliged to answer any questions the guards put to you about. In theory, if someone is charged and a court case follows the guards can still summon you as a witness to the incident (if they can identify you) and, if summoned, you would have to answer questions put to you in court. But in reality the guards will not summon you as a witness if you haven't given them a statement.

z80CPU

Fights like that occur on Go ahead bus 75 in Dublin in weather like this: Forget about calling the guards. Alcohol fuelled as well.

In the last incident a chav onboard spilled his beer over a child of another passenger!