Legal options exist to problem of intimidation of trial witnesses

A NUMBER of existing legal provisions could be used, or extended, to counter the problem of intimidation, legal experts said yesterday.

Aisling Reidy of the Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL) said that a provision was introduced in the Criminal Justice Act 1999 whereby depositions could be taken from witnesses who were at risk of intimidation.

In a deposition, witnesses give a sworn statement before a judge, the defendant and his or her lawyer. It can then be admitted in court as evidence. “The 1999 Act was specifically amended to cover an eventuality where the witness does not testify because they are being intimidated.