Website to help court witnesses

Volunteers provide support for court appearances

A new website has been launched aimed at de-mystifying court appearances for witnesses and victims of crime.

The site was put together by a volunteer with Victim Support from Gwynedd.

Owain Powell from Caernarfon said he realised there was a need for more information and a practical guide.

Mr Powell, who works for a web company, said the same questions kept coming up and he wanted to make going to court a a less "daunting" experience.

The online information includes details of where courts are, who sits where inside courtrooms, when a case it actually heard, and what each person's job is.

It does not mater what you do in life going to court can be scary Carolyn Hodrien, North Wales Victim Support

"I volunteered to work with victim support last year and people were asking the same questions over and over," said Mr Powell.

"If you don't know how a court works it can be daunting.

"Often witnesses or victims of crime have to deal with not knowing who does what along with dealing with the memories of what has happened to them," he added.

The website idea grew because he already has his own wildlife photography website and works with an internet-based company called BabyKind.

Owain Powell felt more information was needed

North Wales Victim Support area manager Carolyn Hodrien said the site would "help enormously".

"It will help children, who often have access to a computer, and will especially help those who cannot go to see a court beforehand," Ms Hodrien said.

She said practical questions also arose, such as where to park, how the court operated or where they could get a cup of tea.

"It does not mater what you do in life going to court can be scary," said Ms Hodrien.

"This site will also provide information about how we (Victim Support) operate and will be a source to get more volunteers on board," she added.

The service has 180 volunteers in north Wales.