I need experienced Brits to set me straight..am shaking out of anger right now I was physically assaulted whilst sitting in my car called the police and told them everything that had happened. There was a witness but they drove on. I gave the police his registration plate and fully described him and the police are coming by to chat with me later. Now, if the police catch him and I was to file charges against this man, will this cause me problems on the police certificate as the 'beneficiary' even though I am the victim?? I will not be obtaining a police certificate for another 4 months or so. I sound confused and stupid but need to know. I just can't believe a bloke got out of his car and punched me because I indicated left to get ahead of his car but didn't see him speed up at the last minute it just happened very quickly.

As the victim of the crime you have nothing to worry about. The police report covers crimes you commit not crimes you are a victim of.
The only real problem might be if they catch the guy who hit you they may want you to give evidence in court and that might conflict with your travel plans. You don't have to show up to support a prosecution if you don't want to. Do make sure that the police get pictures of any injuries, bruises you have and if they won't give you copies have a friend take dated pictures for you. Even though it won't affect your police report and visa you will probably feel more sure of yourself if you have a crime number and physical proof that you were a victim.
Every little thing is worrying at this stage but the worst thing that might happen is if the police decide you were not driving safely. Driving offenses don't affect the visa unless alcohol is involved so this isn't an issue for you.
I hope they get the b*astard and throw the book at him.

As oosie says, it wont go on your police record. I would get in contact with a lawyer and explain your plans about moving to the US and also mention this to the police. Good luck, hope everything works out for you. Sorry you got attacked.

You are the victim, not the perpetrator, therefore it won't affect your police record.

Oosie thank you so much for replying. It's a relief to know what you told me!! Unfortunately I don't have a bruise on my arm but I spoke with 2 officers over the phone and both times I blurted out crying. When they come round later I think I'll probably end up bloody crying again. It's a mixed emotion of wishing Nathan was beside me (as he is FUMING at this point for what happened) and thinking that monster put his hands on me in a rage. I think I will rather not show up to court and support prosecution (if it comes to that) because I don't want some muppet ruining my love life and future plans no way it's not worth a second thought. I just want him done in and yep I have a reference number but unfortunately it can not be proved that I was a victim, unless this guy has 'road raged' before. I'm hoping so. Anyway thanks for making me feel better and I hope they catch the bastard too.

Thanks william_wallace. I don't want to jeopardise my life long plans because of a worthless monster. Hopefully this guy will be caught and put on a severe anger management course after he's done a few months jail time. I can hope anyway.


Thanks Mags

Sorry to hear about the incident. Don't worry about travel plans. I'm sure you have many options available: (1) sworn affadavit(explaining why you couldn't appear, and what happened), (2) videotape deposition, (3) you could drop the charges (I wouldn't want to but its an option).

I am sorry that this happened to you. It is quite a shame how some people act. I pray that you will be ok.

Thanks Reeses
Thinking about the fact that bastard put his hands on me is making me sick and I am no doubt going to press full charges, not only because he assaulted me but he also kept calling me a black arab bi***. I am infact greek with dark skin but besides the point his intent was to harm me and my intention is to press full charges if he gets caught. Sorry for rambling on I'm still waiting for the officers to show up and can't relax until they leave. Thank you for those options, I am going to do the right thing and if it happens to conflict with any important dates, then I shall deal it with then. I don't want women batterers on the street.


Thanks

Thats totally and utterly disgracefull. I would go the full length to make sure this goes to court. String him by the balls.

I bloomin well will. They are arresting him today and the officer asked me if I would appear in court (if it came to it) I said yes definitely I'm pressing full charges.

I'm so sorry that this happened to you. I have serious issues with the way our society treats people who commit crimes like this - all to often I hear the excuse "oh its more trouble than its worth" or "no one will do anything about it even if I report it." Thank you for following this through and for standing up against this horrible man.

Good luck with everything

Bex xxx

Bex thanks for your encouraging support it's nice to hear that as I do not like when ppl just 'leave it cos police won't do nothing'. At first I won't lie I felt that way because the police never showed up yesterday to take my statement, but they came this morning and I was so charged up and ready to identify the punk! Just knowing he has been arrested today makes me feel so much better that it won't happen to any other person, specially a woman. I am definitely going to pursue this to the end and make sure he doesn't get away with it. Women batterers should be in jail and for a long time.
Cheers Bex -x-