Working in the Witness Service can sometimes seem a thankless task so it is particularly valued when that work is recognised in this case the quote below is the commendation received by Judge MacDonald Pictured left. Witness Service Volunteers in Maidstone Valerie Scott, David Williamson, Heather Allam and their co-ordinator, Maureen Utting
“The complainant and principal witness was a female young person then aged 17 who had been in care most of her life and was clearly a very troubled and damaged individual
Although the volunteers who work in our Witness Service give their valued services to witnesses of many types and emotional states, it is cases such as this where the allegations are of a sexual nature and the complainant was under age, which on the one hand, particularly require those skills and on the other, are especially taxing of them.
During the course of her testimony, this particular witness offered unusual challenges. She absconded several times, initially for a day. She had to be pursued within and outside the building. She screamed loudly which was disconcerting and disrupted the proceedings in other courts.
Her behaviour showed a disregard for her own personal safety which could well have spilled over into exposing her supporters to risk. She was possibly the most difficult link witness seen here in 18 years.
I am delighted to record, though knowing them, I would have expected no less, that her witness supporters behaved with exemplary commitment and fortitude during this conduct, true to their oaths, safeguarding and supporting her and that they were instrumental in the achievement of justice in this trial. Their performance in the trial was a reflection on the fine leadership they enjoy.
I therefore thank and commend Valerie Scott, David Williamson, Heather Allam and their co-ordinator, Maureen Utting for their services in this trial. I have a letter for each of you to keep as a memento.”
“The complainant and principal witness was a female young person then aged 17 who had been in care most of her life and was clearly a very troubled and damaged individual
Although the volunteers who work in our Witness Service give their valued services to witnesses of many types and emotional states, it is cases such as this where the allegations are of a sexual nature and the complainant was under age, which on the one hand, particularly require those skills and on the other, are especially taxing of them.
During the course of her testimony, this particular witness offered unusual challenges. She absconded several times, initially for a day. She had to be pursued within and outside the building. She screamed loudly which was disconcerting and disrupted the proceedings in other courts.
Her behaviour showed a disregard for her own personal safety which could well have spilled over into exposing her supporters to risk. She was possibly the most difficult link witness seen here in 18 years.
I am delighted to record, though knowing them, I would have expected no less, that her witness supporters behaved with exemplary commitment and fortitude during this conduct, true to their oaths, safeguarding and supporting her and that they were instrumental in the achievement of justice in this trial. Their performance in the trial was a reflection on the fine leadership they enjoy.
I therefore thank and commend Valerie Scott, David Williamson, Heather Allam and their co-ordinator, Maureen Utting for their services in this trial. I have a letter for each of you to keep as a memento.”
