Courts & reports

Judge reviewing reports

Once charged with a crime, an individual will appear in a local magistrates court. If the offence is less serious the case will be heard by three magistrates. If the case is more serious the magistrates will refer the case to the Crown Court where it will be heard by a Judge and jury.

The probation service compiles pre sentence reports for both the Crown Court and the magistrates’ courts. These reports help to decide on the most suitable sentence.

There are four options open to the court:

• discharges
• fines
• community sentences
• custody.

Pre sentence reports

Probation Officer delivering a pre sentence report to the court

Once an individual is convicted, the magistrates or judge may ask for a pre sentence report to be prepared by the probation service.

To compile the report, an officer from the probation service will interview the offender who will be either remanded in custody or be bailed. The report will look at the reasons why the person committed the offence, their attitude to the offence and to any victims and other factors. It will include an assessment of the offender’s risk of causing harm and risk of reconviction.

Fast delivery report

A fast delivery report is similar to the standard report but is less detailed. It takes less time and may be compiled on the same day as conviction.

Oral report

If the court requires very basic information before sentencing the magistrates or judge may ask the probation representative in court to give a short verbal report.

The main courts in Cambridgeshire are:

• Cambridge
• Peterborough
• Wisbech
• Ely
• Huntingdon.