The arson attack on my home has still not been solved however, two witnesses have come forward, both identifying the same man as being the arsonist.
One of the witnesses who came forward was sexually assaulted by the suspect. The suspect had also made admissions to the female that he was the arsonist, the witness reported both offences to Thames Valley Police (her police force area) have failed to investigate either?
Another witness who is an ex-partner of the suspect gave crucial evidence to the police. Since giving this evidence, the suspect has made contact with the witness making threats to her about her witness statement.
The threats were pressuring the witness to change her statement, telling her she and will get in serious trouble could go to prison for perjury.
The threats also related to the mutual child of the witness and suspect, the child that the suspect is trying to win custody of. The suspect is attempting to persuade the witness of a false alibi.
Witness intimidation is a serious either-way offence, with a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.
Section 51 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 creates two offences of witness intimidation:
- s.51(1) creates an offence directed at acts against a person assisting in the investigation of an offence or is a witness or potential witness or juror or potential juror whilst an investigation or trial is in progress; and
- s.51(2) creates an offence directed at acts against a person who assisted in an investigation of an offence or who was a witness or juror after an investigation or trial has been concluded.
In any outcome, the suspect, in this case, would be guilty of offences under Both s.51(1) and s.52(2)
By contacting the witness, knowing (or believing) that the witness is assisting in an investigation puts the suspect guilty of an offence under s.51(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Even on completion of an investigation (with or without charges being brought), the suspect is guilty under s.51(2) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, as it states an offence is committed even after an investigation has been concluded.
The police have been notified…
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