Witness Statements: What Can Go Wrong and How to Deal With It

Witness statements can make or break a case — but even well-intentioned evidence can unravel quickly once tested. This session explores what happens when a witness statement turns out to be wrong or misleading, whether deliberately or inadvertently, and the practical and strategic steps that parties and advisers can take to contain the damage. We will examine the differing ways in which problems with witness evidence can come to light, and what options are available when they do.

We will consider the potential consequences for the witness and for related parties, including the risk of contempt applications and the interplay between civil and criminal proceedings.