Statement of truth for a Middlesbrough County Court at Teesside Combined Court witness statement
A witness statement filed at Middlesbrough County Court at Teesside Combined Court is only valid if it is verified by a statement of truth in the wording set by CPR 22 and Practice Direction 32. Get the wording wrong and the statement may not be treated as evidence; sign something you do not honestly believe and CPR 32.14 contempt proceedings are the risk. This page gives the exact wording and the signature mechanics.
The exact wording
For a witness statement: 'I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true.' The contempt warning that accompanies CPR 32.14 must also be displayed prominently on the form or statement: proceedings for contempt may be brought against a person who makes a false statement without an honest belief in its truth. Both lines appear in the official form packs - copy them exactly, do not paraphrase.
Signature, date and capacity
The statement must be signed and dated by the person making it - you, if you are the witness - with your full name printed clearly, your address given, and if signing for a company, your position stated. If you cannot sign for good reason, PD 32 allows for the statement to be signed on your behalf by someone else, who must state the reason.
Checklist
- CPR 22 wording copied exactly, not paraphrased
- CPR 32.14 contempt warning present and prominent
- Signed and dated by the maker personally
- Full name, address and (if applicable) position stated
Official sources and related pages
Court details (verified register data)
- Court: Middlesbrough County Court at Teesside Combined Court
- Court code: 270
- Address: The Law Courts, Centre Square, Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough, TS1 2AE
- Phone: 01642 340000; 0300 123 5577; 0300 303 0642
- Civil filing email: Adoptions.middlesbrough.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
- DX: DX 65152 Middlesbrough 2
- Public counter hours: Monday to Friday (County Court)(Llys Sirol)
- Document drop-box: Not published in the register - confirm with the court directly
- Hearing format: Not published in the register - confirm with the court directly
- Facilities: disabled access, hearing loop
Source: https://www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/courts/middlesbrough-county-court-at-teesside-combined-court. Verified 2026-09-04. Always confirm against the official court finder before travelling.
Free national support
- Support Through Court: 0300 081 0000 - free, independent support for litigants without a lawyer
- Citizens Advice consumer service: 0808 223 1133 - consumer disputes, pre-claim guidance
- HMCTS general enquiries: 0300 123 7050 - finding the right court or money claim centre
Filing a witness statement? The Casewright CPR Part 32 Witness Statement & Bundle Builder structures your statement into CPR 32-compliant numbered paragraphs with a correct statement of truth and indexed exhibits - flat £79. This site is independent of Casewright; link is a sponsored referral.
This page is general information about County Court procedure, not legal advice, and it is not provided by HMCTS or any court. Procedures and fees change - always confirm against the official sources linked here before you act.
>Small Claims Court Help is an independent information directory. It is not affiliated with HMCTS, the Ministry of Justice, or any court.
Reviewed by Sean McNamara, 2026-09-04.