I listened with horror to how Milly Dowler’s family was treated in court.

I had an albeit lesser experience of being a witness some years ago after I intervened on behalf of a neighbour being attacked by her ex.

He pushed his fist in my face and threatened me, yet I, a 66 six-year-old female, was cautioned for standing my ground against this thug.

I told police he smelled strongly of alcohol but it was two days before he was interviewed.

In court my character was besmirched by a barrister suggesting I was a nosy, interfering neighbour.

No support, advice or representation was open to me as a witness and no redress to defend my good character.

The whole experience was tawdry and distateful.

The system is a gravy grain for some practitioners based on clever exercises in semantics.

Now is a good opportunity for all of us touched negatively by witness experience to add our voices to the staements of these brave people.

Janette Thorne.