Many young children have to attend court to give evidence, but the usual age of a child witness in the Croydon Magistrates’ Court is between 10 and 13 years.

Under 14 years, the child does not have to take an oath, but is asked questions that demonstrate to the magistrates that the child knows the difference between truth and lies.

The questioning, by both the prosecution and defence is carried out in language and terminology that the young witness will understand.

It is advisable that the parent or carer and young witness attend court for a pre-trial visit before the trial to get some understanding of the process.

Phone - 020 8686 0409 for more information.