A new pilot scheme is being launched in North Kirklees to help witnesses feel less frightened about giving evidence in Court.

It will involve volunteers giving emotional support, advice and information to prosecution or defence witnesses when cases are being heard at Batley and Dewsbury Court .

The initiative by North Kirklees Victim Support Group -- based at Batley police station - will run from March 1 until October, with £5,000 funding from the Kirklees Community Safety Partnership.

It will be modelled on a similar Home Office-funded scheme for crown courts. Bradford Magistrates' Court also runs a witness support service.

Dominic McLean, co-ordinator of NKVS, said: "It can be quite scary for someone giving evidence in court for the first time.

"The ushers do a great job but they don't have time to sit and chat to a witness. Quite often he or she is on their own.

"Our volunteers will not talk about a case in detail but help allay a witness's fears and give information, for example, on how to claim expenses for child care and travelling costs to and from court.

"A volunteer will find out what sentence has been passed and bail conditions, which is particularly important to victims of domestic violence for their peace of mind.

"It might even mean sitting with a witness's child while the parent is giving evidence if the person cannot find someone to look after the child.

"In limited cases, a volunteer will take the witness to court in his or her own car, for example, if the witness is too scared to go to court and needs moral support.''

He said volunteers were given training in listening skills, court procedure and sentencing over five consecutive Saturdays, followed by further on-day training on issues such as domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and racial harassment.

But Mr McLean said: "We would like to hear from people from all communities, including the ethnic minorities, in North Kirklees willing to be a volunteer.

"They must not have a criminal record and be available at least one morning or afternoon a week. We carry out police checks on all volunteers.''

An introductory evening for those interested is being held on January 21 from 7pm at Batley police station. Further information about the service is available from Mr McLean on (01924) 476622.

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