Assessment Title: Statement Writing, Report Writing and Giving Evidence
Reference Number: Unit 2/SRWGE
Question 1
An evaluation of the Witness Statement made by Karen Smith has been carried out using a checklist which is attached as Appendix 1.
The Witness Statement outlines that Karen Smith attended a computer fair at the Loam Leisure Centre in order to conduct an enforcement exercise on 4 March 2012.
The layout of criminal Witness Statements is set out in Rule 16.2 Criminal Procedure Rules.
The Verification wording is not exactly as recommended in s9 Criminal Justice Act.
The statement is not dated and the page numbers should be in the top right and written in the format of 1 of 3.
The wording “I swear by Almighty God that this statement, consisting of page(s) each signed by me, is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” is the wording of an oath which is said when giving evidence verbally at court (using a holy book)” essentially has the same effect as the recommended wording:
This statement (consisting of pages) is true to the best of my knowledge and belief and I make it knowing that, if it is tendered in evidence, I shall be liable to prosecution if I have wilfully stated in it anything that I know to be false, or do not believe to be true.”
The bottom of the first page and all continuation sheets need to be signed by Karen Smith.
Karen should have included her professional (work) address on the statement.
A sentence which explains briefly what Karen’s role as a Senior Enforcement Officer should be included together with an outline of her experience in this role and her qualifications.
A paragraph outlining the purpose of her attending the computer fair and the activities she would undertake, i.e. to ensure that counterfeit goods were not being sold at the computer.
It is best practice for statements to be written in the first person, Karen’s statement changed from ‘I’ to ‘we’ throughout. If the case goes...