We`ve all read transcripts of 999 calls where the
document has been adduced by the CPS or occasionally counsel for the defence and
generally do not question its accuracy.
I was of that mind until a recent sitting caused an abrupt change of
mind. The document covered a call of
about a minute and was two pages in length.
During the call the complainant never mentioned by name or relationship the person who, she felt, was a
threat to her. He was referred to
throughout as “he”. However just over
half way through the document the police support person taking the call
referred to the third party by name. Now
it might just be my paranoia getting up a head of steam but I found this rather
peculiar. There might have been an
innocent reason for this occurrence but
fortunately there was no need to probe further as we found no case to answer. But the lesson was well learned; in court
there is no embarrassment in being a
pedant....in fact it should be considered a compliment.
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