(I am asking a customer if there were any independent witnesses to an accident. To make it clear, an independent witness is one not known previously to either party.)

Me: “Were there any independent witnesses?”

Customer: “Well, there was a 92 year old woman.”

Me: “Excellent. Is she known to either party?”

Customer: “Oh yes. I was taking her for her weekly shop at the time.”

Me: “Right. Well, I don’t think we can class her as an independent witness but we can still take a statement if necessary.”

Customer: “Oh, but she is independent! She lives by herself and does all her housework by herself! We only help out with taking her shopping because she can’t drive!”