Richard, aged 38, gave evidence via the remote video link following his assessment as a vulnerable and intimidated witness. His image was seen by members of the court on a plasma TV screen. Before the trial Victim Support provided a support worker who arranged for Richard to visit the Witness Video Suite to become familiar with the procedures and equipment. However, no support worker is allowed to sit in the suite while a defendant is in communication with the court. Richard's assailant was charged with Actual Bodily Harm.

During the attack, Richard suffered head injuries and was taken to hospital where his wounds were stitched. Richard said: "As a result of the assault I suffered dizzy spells and then I began to have panic attacks. My mental anguish increased, and I lost my job working as a cycle mechanic.

"I knew the assailant was pleading Not Guilty and that I would have to give evidence against him. I was feeling so scared about facing him again. I was having such nightmares. Eventually, I didn't feel that I could go into an open court.

"My case was assessed, and when I heard that I could give evidence by the remote link, I felt that a huge weight had been taken off my mind. "When I finally gave my evidence to the court, I was still feeling nervous - but I was able to do it. During my video session there was the occasional brief time lapse between question and answer, but otherwise the dialogue was continuous. My attacker was found Guilty."