Shit... :

Turns out I'm being called as a character witness in a murder inquiry and I'm in a bit of a dilemma.

Basically, someone I vaguely know through a friend of a friend sort of killed someone. They seem to be trying to make it out as a homophobic attack, as far as I know solely because the victim was gay. And now they want me to attest that it wasn't a homophobic attack.

It's a shit situation. I have no reason to think that it was a homophobic attack - the guy in question had plenty of openly gay friends and was nothing but civil and sociable toward me - but at the same time, I don't know how comfortable I'd feel if he got a shorter sentence simply because he was a **** rather than a homophobe.

I dunno, what do y'all think? I'm giving my statement tomorrow and really need someone to tell me I'm doing the right thing.

 

I'd say the truth, that you have no reason to believe it was a homophobic attack.

 

I'm just wondering what they're actually going to ask. Having given statements to the police before I know that they hardly ever get to the point and just ask you what they want to know.

It's made me wonder though. I mean, if the guy was nice to me and occasionally did homosexual acts... does that in itself mean he wasn't homophobic? It's making me question it myself.

 

That might just be hypocrisy on his part if he occasionally did homosexual acts but was homophobic.

 

I think you should go with whatever your gut tells you.....thats usually the right thing to do. Or , you can also tell them that you are afraid you may have some bias and you dont really trust your own feelings in the matter.

 

seek legal advice about wether you really have to do this
S

 

Might be a bit late for that, they're coming round tomorrow! I don't have a lawyer or anything, wouldn't even know how to get one.

I think it's just nerves that's making me worry, I'm pretty sure it'll just be a statement and I don't know what they'll ask yet.

 

yeah, just tell what you know FROM FACT "that he was nothing but civil and sociable toward me " PERIOD. don't ever volunteer information or opinions, wait for questions to be asked even if it means a long silent period and you're just staring at the lawyer/legal eagles. wait for them to ask the questions.

I hope is all turns out ok for you,

peace out
bob

 

go to citisians advive, you shouldn't be doing something ike this without finding out what you are doing first
S