Permanent Secretary Peter May visits Victim Support NI Witness Service offices

The Permanent Secretary for the Department of Justice, Peter May, spent time at the Victim Support NI Witness Service offices in Derry today (Thursday 27.09.18)

Having taken up the post at the start of September, Mr May scheduled in some time to see the Witness Service in action. The Witness Service provides a service in every Crown. Magistrates and Youth court across Northern Ireland. They provide support to adult prosecution witnesses, organising visits to the court; and helping witnesses familiarise themselves with the court layout and procedures ahead of the trial. During the trial they also liaise with court officers and legal representatives and accompany witnesses into court if requested.

Peter met with Victim Support NI staff and volunteers during his visit, hearing about their essential work, and visiting the separate waiting room provided outside of the court in Bishop Street; a position that isn’t yet available across all courts in Northern Ireland.

Victim Support NI Deputy CEO Janice Bunting said: “We were delighted to welcome Mr May to our offices in Derry/Londonderry. Across Northern Ireland we have 14 staff and around 50 volunteers working within the Witness service, and they work extremely hard to make sure witnesses are well supported throughout the court process. If any prosecution witness requires our support they can contact us at our Hubs, in Belfast, 02890 243133 or in Foyle, 02871 370086.”