Do I have the right to the name of my attacker?

[Novascotia33]

I was attacked, completely unprovoked, all on CCTV. My attacker has been arrested today, admitted the crime, was charged and is awaiting trial.

Do i have the right to ask the police the name of my attacker? obviously I'm not asking for an address or anything further, but I would like to know their name.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[DSM]

Why do you want to know?

Surely you'll find out in due course, presumably when you go to court for the trial?

[Novascotia33]

I'm not sure, when I say 'go to trial' I'm not sure I mean in some big law court. I don't know if I'll have the opportunity to attend? if it is in a magistrates court? I have no idea how these things happen, and all the have police told me today was the basic facts and that they will be in touch if necessary, it's a crime of GBH. The perpetrator has completely admitted the charges, so I wouldn't imagine I would be needed to give a statement??

I'm not sure why I want to know, I just know that I do, and I wondered if I had a right to know? I would also actually like to look them in the face, but not sure if I will have the opportunity for that either.

[LowLevelWhiiingeing]

I don't know if it varies by police force or crime, but when we were burgled and the culprits caught, we received letters telling us that (e.g.) Mr John Smith will be in court on such a date and then Mr John Smith was found guilty.

[DSM]

FWIW - I would want to know too. I would want to look them in the eye, and see them being punished.

Hopefully you'll be informed of the date like lowlevel, and you can choose whether or not to attend court if you aren't called for statement. I don't know what a magistrates court is - we have sherriff court and high court, maybenits different. If a trial is in the sheriff court (the lesser) them you can attend in the viewing gallery.

[mumblechum1]

There should be a police liaison officer who will be able to help you with this.

[OhWesternWind]

If you get in touch with victim support they should be able to help.

[Collaborate]

I would have thought it essential you know. What if you know them? You need to know who they are in case they try to contact you.