Chichester Police praise witnesses coming forward to help with conviction
Chichester Police have urged more people to come forward if they are witnesses to a crime that has taken place.
This is due to be able to assist the criminal process in the most effienct way for the police as police.
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Hide AdOn their Facebook page Chichester Police wrote: “Witnesses are crucial in police investigations, and that was highlighted recently with the conviction of a man for assault in Chichester.
“In December 2020, officers received a report of a man being punched at a Tesco Supermarket on Fishbourne Road East.
“The victim said he would accept a letter of apology from the suspect, which would resolve the matter without the need for court.
“However when the suspect attended a voluntary interview, he alleged the victim had in fact assaulted him.
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Hide Ad“A witness had previously come forward and provided a statement which supported the victim’s account.
“As a result, the suspect was charged and found guilty at court on December 22, 2021 having already been to two hearings that year.
“He was ordered to pay £650 in compensation to the victim.
PC Pearson, investigating officer, said: “This case illustrates why witnesses coming forward is so important and we thank all of them who do.
“Ultimately we wouldn’t have had such a positive outcome for the victim without the witness providing their statement and attending court, even though they were summonsed a year after the incident took place.”