The Criminal Procedure Rules 2020

PART 25E+WTRIAL AND SENTENCE IN THE CROWN COURT

[Note. Part 3 contains rules about case management that apply during preparation for trial and at trial. The rules in this Part must be read in conjunction with those rules.]

When this Part appliesE+W

25.1.  This Part applies in the Crown Court where the court tries a case or the defendant pleads guilty.

[Note. The Crown Court’s powers to try an allegation of an offence are contained in sections 45 and 46 of the Senior Courts Act 1981(1).

The exercise of the court’s powers is affected by—

(a)the classification of the offence (and the general rule, subject to exceptions, is that the Crown Court must try—

(i)an offence classified as one that can be tried only in the Crown Court (in other legislation, described as triable only on indictment), and

(ii)an offence classified as one that can be tried either in a magistrates’ court or in the Crown Court (in other legislation, described as triable either way) that has been allocated for trial in the Crown Court); and

(b)the defendant’s age (and the general rule is that an allegation of an offence against a defendant under 18 must be tried in a magistrates’ court sitting as a youth court, irrespective of the classification of the offence and without allocation for trial there, unless the offence is—

(i)one of homicide,

(ii)one for which a convicted adult could be imprisoned for 14 years or more,

(iii)one of certain specified offences involving firearms, or

(iv)one of certain specified sexual offences).

See sections 17 and 24 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980(2) and section 51A of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998(3).

Under section 34A of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933(4), the court—

(a)may require the defendant’s parents or guardian to attend court with the defendant, where the defendant is under 18; and

(b)must do so, where the defendant is under 16,

unless satisfied that that would be unreasonable. Part 46 (Representatives) contains rules allowing a parent, guardian or other supporting adult to help a defendant under 18.]

General powers and requirementsE+W

25.2.—(1) Where this Part applies, the general rule is that—

(a)the trial must be in public, but that is subject to the court’s power to—

(i)impose a restriction on reporting what takes place at a public hearing, or public access to what otherwise would be a public hearing,

(ii)withhold information from the public during a public hearing, or

(iii)order a trial in private;

(b)the court must not proceed if the defendant is absent, unless the court is satisfied that—

(i)the defendant has waived the right to attend, and

(ii)the trial will be fair despite the defendant’s absence; and

(c)the court must not sentence the defendant to imprisonment or detention unless—

(i)the defendant has a legal representative,

(ii)the defendant has been sentenced to imprisonment or detention on a previous occasion in the United Kingdom, or

(iii)the defendant could have been represented under legal aid but is not because [F2section 226(7), (8) of the Sentencing Act 2020] applies to him or her.

[F3(2) Before proceeding to trial the court must—

(a)if more than one indictment has been preferred or proposed—

(i)identify the indictment or indictments on which the prosecutor wants the defendant to be tried, and

(ii)identify any indictment or count in an indictment on which the prosecutor does not want to proceed;

(b)obtain the prosecutor’s confirmation, in writing or orally, that each indictment on which the defendant is about to be tried sets out—

(i)a statement of each offence that the prosecutor wants the court to try, and

(ii)such particulars of the conduct constituting the commission of each such offence as the prosecutor relies upon to make clear what is alleged;

(c)ensure that the defendant is correctly identified by each indictment on which the defendant is about to be tried;

(d)satisfy itself that each allegation has been explained to the defendant, in terms the defendant can understand (with help, if necessary); and

(e)invite any objection to the terms or validity of any indictment on which the defendant is about to be tried.]

(3) The court may adjourn the trial at any stage.

[F4(4) Subject to paragraph (5), unless the court otherwise directs no further proceedings may be taken on an indictment or count in an indictment on which under this rule the prosecutor chooses not to proceed.

(5) Paragraph (4) does not apply to any count in an indictment which becomes a count in the indictment required by rule 25.16(3)(e) (substituted indictment for sentencing purposes).]

[Note. [F5See section 226(7), (8) of the Sentencing Act 2020, which] applies to a defendant if—

(a)representation was made available to the defendant for the purposes of the proceedings under Part 1 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 but was withdrawn because of the defendant’s conduct or because it appeared that the defendant’s financial resources were such that he or she was not eligible for such representation;

(b)the defendant applied for such representation and the application was refused because it appeared that the defendant’s financial resources were such that he or she was not eligible for such representation; or

(c)having been informed of the right to apply for such representation and having had the opportunity to do so, the defendant refused or failed to apply.

Part 6 contains rules about reporting, etc. restrictions. For a list of the court’s powers to impose reporting and access restrictions, see the note to rule 6.1.

Part 10 contains rules about the content and service of indictments. Under section 2(6ZA) of the Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1933(5), no objection to the indictment may be taken after the trial commences by reason of any failure to observe those rules.]

Application for ruling on procedure, evidence or other question of lawE+W

25.3.—(1) This rule applies to an application—

(a)about—

(i)case management, or any other question of procedure, or

(ii)the introduction or admissibility of evidence, or any other question of law; and

(b)that has not been determined before the trial begins.

(2) The application is subject to any other rule that applies to it (for example, as to the time and form in which the application must be made).

(3) Unless the court otherwise directs, the application must be made, and the court’s decision announced, in the absence of the jury (if there is one).

[Note. See also rule 3.21 (Pre-trial hearings in the Crown Court: general rules).]

Procedure on plea of guiltyE+W

25.4.—(1) This rule applies if—

(a)the defendant pleads guilty to an offence; and

(b)the court is satisfied that the plea represents a clear acknowledgement of guilt.

(2) The court need not receive evidence unless rule 25.16(4) applies (determination of facts for sentencing).

[Note. See also rule 3.32 (Arraigning the defendant on the indictment).]

Application to vacate a guilty pleaE+W

25.5.—(1) This rule applies where a party wants the court to vacate a guilty plea.

(2) Such a party must—

(a)apply in writing—

(i)as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the grounds for doing so, and

(ii)in any event, before the final disposal of the case, by sentence or otherwise; and

(b)serve the application on—

(i)the court officer, and

(ii)the prosecutor.

(3) Unless the court otherwise directs, the application must—

(a)explain why it would be unjust for the guilty plea to remain unchanged;

(b)indicate what, if any, evidence the applicant wishes to call;

(c)identify any proposed witness; and

(d)indicate whether legal professional privilege is waived, specifying any material name and date.

Selecting the juryE+W

25.6.—(1) This rule—

(a)applies where—

(i)the defendant pleads not guilty,

(ii)the defendant declines to enter a plea and the court treats that as a not guilty plea, or

(iii)the court determines that the defendant is not fit to be tried; but

(b)does not apply where—

(i)the court orders a trial without a jury because of a danger of jury tampering or where jury tampering appears to have taken place, or

(ii)the court tries without a jury counts on an indictment after a trial of sample counts with a jury.

(2) The court must select a jury to try the case from the panel, or part of the panel, of jurors summoned by the Lord Chancellor to attend at that time and place.

(3) Where it appears that too few jurors to constitute a jury will be available from among those so summoned, the court—

(a)may exercise its own power to summon others in the court room, or in the vicinity, up to the number likely to be required, and add their names to the panel summoned by the Lord Chancellor; but

(b)must inform the parties, if they are absent when the court exercises that power.

(4) The court must select the jury by drawing at random each juror’s name from among those so summoned and—

(a)announcing each name so drawn; or

(b)announcing an identifying number assigned by the court officer to that person, where the court is satisfied that that is necessary.

(5) If too few jurors to constitute a jury are available from the panel after all their names have been drawn, the court may—

(a)exercise its own power to summon others in the court room, or in the vicinity, up to the number required; and

(b)announce—

(i)the name of each person so summoned, or

(ii)an identifying number assigned by the court officer to that person, where the court is satisfied that that is necessary.

(6) The jury the court selects—

(a)must comprise no fewer than 12 jurors; and

(b)may comprise as many as 14 jurors to begin with, where the court expects the trial to last for more than 4 weeks.

(7) Where the court selects a jury comprising more than 12 jurors, the court must explain to them that—

(a)the purpose of selecting more than 12 jurors to begin with is to fill any vacancy or vacancies caused by the discharge of any of the first 12 before the prosecution evidence begins;

(b)any such vacancy or vacancies will be filled by the extra jurors in order of their selection from the panel;

(c)the court will discharge any extra juror or jurors remaining by no later than the beginning of the prosecution evidence; and

(d)any juror who is discharged for that reason then will be available to be selected for service on another jury, during the period for which that juror has been summoned.

(8) Each of the 12 or more jurors the court selects—

(a)must take an oath or affirm; and

(b)becomes a full jury member until discharged.

(9) The oath or affirmation must be in these terms, or in any corresponding terms that the juror declares to be binding on him or her—

“I swear by Almighty God [or I do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm] that I will faithfully try the defendant and give a true verdict according to the evidence.”

[Note. See sections 2, 5, 6, and 11 of the Juries Act 1974(6). See also rule 38.7 (Discharging jurors).

Under sections 44 and 46 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003(7), the court may try a case without a jury where there is a danger of jury tampering, or where jury tampering appears to have taken place. Under section 17 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004(8), the court may try sample counts with a jury and other counts without a jury. Part 3 (preparation for trial in the Crown Court) contains rules about an application for such a trial.

Sections 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Oaths Act 1978(9) provide for the taking of oaths and the making of affirmations, and for the words that must be used.

Part 26 contains other rules about jurors.]

Discharging jurorsE+W

25.7.—(1) The court may exercise its power to discharge a juror at any time—

(a)after the juror completes the oath or affirmation; and

(b)before the court discharges the jury.

(2) No later than the beginning of the prosecution evidence, if the jury then comprises more than 12 jurors the court must discharge any in excess of 12 in reverse order of their selection from the panel.

(3) The court may exercise its power to discharge the jury at any time—

(a)after each juror has completed the oath or affirmation; and

(b)before the jury has delivered its verdict on each offence charged in the indictment.

(4) The court must exercise its power to discharge the jury when, in respect of each offence charged in the indictment, either—

(a)the jury has delivered its verdict on that offence; or

(b)the court has discharged the jury from reaching a verdict.

[Note. See sections 16 and 18 of the Juries Act 1974(10).]

Objecting to jurorsE+W

25.8.—(1) A party who objects to the panel of jurors must serve notice explaining the objection on the court officer and on the other party before the first juror’s name or number is drawn.

(2) A party who objects to the selection of an individual juror must—

(a)tell the court of the objection—

(i)after the juror’s name or number is announced, and

(ii)before the juror completes the oath or affirmation; and

(b)explain the objection.

(3) A prosecutor who exercises the prosecution right without giving reasons to prevent the court selecting an individual juror must announce the exercise of that right before the juror completes the oath or affirmation.

(4) The court must determine an objection under paragraph (1) or (2)—

(a)at a hearing, in public or in private; and

(b)in the absence of the jurors, unless the court otherwise directs.

[Note. See section 29 of the Juries Act 1825(11) and section 12 of the Juries Act 1974(12).]

Procedure on plea of not guiltyE+W

25.9.—(1) This rule applies where—

(a)the defendant pleads not guilty; or

(b)the defendant declines to enter a plea and the court treats that as a not guilty plea.

(2) In the following sequence—

(a)where there is a jury, the court must—

(i)inform the jurors of each offence charged in the indictment to which the defendant pleads not guilty, and

(ii)explain to the jurors that it is their duty, after hearing the evidence, to decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of each offence;

(b)the prosecutor may summarise the prosecution case, concisely outlining the facts and the matters likely to be in dispute;

(c)where there is a jury, to help the jurors to understand the case and resolve any issue in it the court may—

(i)invite the defendant concisely to identify what is in issue, if necessary in terms approved by the court, and

(ii)if the defendant declines to do so, direct that the jurors be given a copy of any defence statement served under rule 15.4 (Defence disclosure), edited if necessary to exclude any reference to inappropriate matters or to matters evidence of which would not be admissible;

(d)the prosecutor must introduce the evidence on which the prosecution case relies;

(e)subject to paragraph (3), at the end of the prosecution evidence, on the defendant’s application or on its own initiative, the court—

(i)may direct the jury (if there is one) to acquit on the ground that the prosecution evidence is insufficient for any reasonable court properly to convict, but

(ii)must not do so unless the prosecutor has had an opportunity to make representations;

(f)subject to paragraph (4), at the end of the prosecution evidence, the court must ask whether the defendant intends to give evidence in person and, if the answer is ‘no’, then the court must satisfy itself that there has been explained to the defendant, in terms the defendant can understand (with help, if necessary)—

(i)the right to give evidence in person, and

(ii)that if the defendant does not give evidence in person, or refuses to answer a question while giving evidence, the court may draw such inferences as seem proper;

(g)the defendant may summarise the defence case, if he or she intends to call at least one witness other than him or herself to give evidence in person about the facts of the case;

(h)in this order (or in a different order, if the court so directs) the defendant may—

(i)give evidence in person,

(ii)call another witness, or witnesses, to give evidence in person, and

(iii)introduce any other evidence;

(i)a party may introduce further evidence if it is then admissible (for example, because it is in rebuttal of evidence already introduced);

(j)the prosecutor may make final representations, where—

(i)the defendant has a legal representative,

(ii)the defendant has called at least one witness, other than the defendant him or herself, to give evidence in person about the facts of the case, or

(iii)the court so permits; and

(k)the defendant may make final representations.

(3) Paragraph (2)(e) does not apply in relation to a charge of murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, or causing harm contrary to section 18 or 20 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861(13) until the court has heard all the evidence (including any defence evidence), where the defendant is charged with—

(a)any of those offences; and

(b)an offence of causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die or to suffer serious physical harm, contrary to section 5 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004(14).

(4) Paragraph (2)(f) does not apply where it appears to the court that, taking account of all the circumstances, the defendant’s physical or mental condition makes it undesirable for the defendant to give evidence in person.

(5) Where there is more than one defendant, this rule applies to each in the order their names appear in the indictment, or in an order directed by the court.

(6) Unless the jury (if there is one) has retired to consider its verdict, the court may allow a party to introduce evidence, or make representations, after that party’s opportunity to do so under paragraph (2).

(7) Unless the jury has already reached a verdict on a count, the court may exercise its power to—

(a)discharge the jury from reaching a verdict on that count;

(b)direct the jury to acquit the defendant on that count; or

(c)invite the jury to convict the defendant, if the defendant pleads guilty to the offence charged by that count.

[Note. See also rule 3.32 (Arraigning the defendant on the indictment).

Under section 6E of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996(15), the court may make the direction for which rule 25.9(2)(c)(ii) provides, on application or on the court’s own initiative.

The admissibility of evidence that a party introduces is governed by rules of evidence.

Under section 35 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994(16), the court may draw such inferences as appear proper from a defendant’s failure to give evidence, or refusal without good cause to answer a question while doing so. The procedure set out in rule 25.9(2)(f) and (4) is prescribed by that section.

Section 2 of the Criminal Evidence Act 1898(17) restricts the circumstances in which the defendant may summarise the defence case before introducing evidence.

Section 79 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984(18) requires a defendant who wishes to give evidence in person to do so before calling any other witness, unless the court otherwise permits.

Section 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1865(19) and section 3 of the Criminal Evidence Act 1898(20) restrict the circumstances in which the prosecutor may make final representations without the court’s permission. See also section 1 of the Criminal Procedure (Right of Reply) Act 1964(21).

The procedure set out in rule 25.9(3) is prescribed by sections 6 and 6A of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004(22).

Under section 17 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967(23), the court may direct the jury to acquit where the prosecutor offers no evidence.

See rule 25.14 for the procedure on taking the verdict and rule 25.16 for the procedure if the court convicts the defendant.]

Defendant unfit to pleadE+W

25.10.—(1) This rule applies where—

(a)it appears to the court, on application or on its own initiative, that the defendant may not be fit to be tried; and

(b)the defendant has not by then been acquitted of each offence charged by the indictment.

(2) The court—

(a)must exercise its power to decide, without a jury, whether the defendant is fit to be tried; but

(b)may postpone the exercise of that power until immediately before the opening of the defence case.

(3) Where the court determines that the defendant is not fit to be tried—

(a)the court must exercise its power to appoint a person to put the case for the defence, taking account of all the circumstances and in particular—

(i)the willingness and suitability (including the qualifications and experience) of that person,

(ii)the nature and complexity of the case,

(iii)any advantage of continuity of representation, and

(iv)the defendant’s wishes and needs;

(b)the court must select a jury, if none has been selected yet; and

(c)rule 25.9 (Procedure on plea of not guilty) applies, if the steps it lists have not already been taken, except that—

(i)everything which that rule requires to be done by the defendant may be done instead by the person appointed to put the case for the defence,

(ii)under rule 25.9(2)(a), the court must explain to the jurors that their duty is to decide whether or not the defendant did the act or made the omission charged as an offence, not whether the defendant is guilty of that offence, and

(iii)rule 25.9(2)(e) does not apply (warning of consequences of defendant not giving evidence).

[F6(4) Paragraphs (5) and (6) of this rule apply where—

(a)the jury decides that the defendant did the act or made the omission charged as an offence;

(b)the court makes a hospital order and a restriction order;

(c)while the restriction order remains in effect the Secretary of State receives medical advice that the defendant can properly be tried and decides to remit the defendant to the Crown Court for trial; and

(d)the Secretary of State so notifies the court officer.

(5) The prosecutor must serve on the court officer the medical report or reports by reference to which the defendant has been assessed as properly to be tried.

(6) The court must give directions—

(a)for the return of the defendant to the court, which initial directions may be given—

(i)without a hearing, or

(ii)at a hearing, which must take place in the defendant’s absence; and then

(b)for the future conduct of the case, which further directions must be given—

(i)at a hearing, and

(ii)in the defendant’s presence.

(7) Directions under paragraph (6)(a)—

(a)may include directions under rule 3.10 (Directions for commissioning medical reports, other than for sentencing purposes) for the commissioning of any further report required by the court;

(b)may set a timetable providing for the date by which representations about the future conduct of the case must be served; and

(c)must set a date for a hearing under paragraph (6)(b).

(8) At the hearing under paragraph (6)(b)—

(a)rule 3.21 (Pre-trial hearings in the Crown Court: general rules) applies even if a plea and trial preparation hearing has been conducted in the case before; and

(b)among other things, the court must decide whether to grant or withhold bail.]

[Note. See sections 4 and 4A of the Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964(24).

Under section 4 of the 1964 Act, the court must not determine the defendant’s fitness to be tried except on the evidence of two or more registered medical practitioners, at least one of whom is approved as having special experience in the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorder. Under section 4A, if satisfied that the defendant did the act or made the omission charged as an offence the jury must make a finding to that effect, and if not so satisfied must acquit the defendant.]

[F7Under section 5A of the 1964 Act, where a hospital order and a restriction order have effect, and after consultation with the responsible clinician, the Secretary of State may remit a defendant for trial if satisfied that the defendant can properly be tried.]

Evidence of a witness in personE+W

25.11.—(1) This rule applies where a party wants to introduce evidence by calling a witness to give that evidence in person.

(2) Unless the court otherwise directs—

(a)a witness waiting to give evidence must not wait inside the courtroom, unless that witness is—

(i)a party, or

(ii)an expert witness;

(b)a witness who gives evidence in the courtroom must do so from the place provided for that purpose; and

(c)a witness’ address—

(i)must not be given in public unless the address is relevant to an issue in the case, and

(ii)may be given in writing to the court, parties and jury.

[F8(3) Before the witness gives evidence—

(a)the party who introduces the witness’ evidence must explain how that evidence is admissible, unless it is only evidence of fact within the witness’ direct knowledge; and

(b)the witness must take an oath or affirm, unless other legislation otherwise provides.]

(4) In the following sequence—

(a)the party who calls a witness may ask questions in examination-in-chief;

(b)if the witness gives evidence for the prosecution—

(i)the defendant, if there is only one, may ask questions in cross-examination, or

(ii)subject to the court’s directions, each defendant, if there is more than one, may ask such questions, in the order their names appear in the indictment or as directed by the court;

(c)if the witness gives evidence for a defendant—

(i)subject to the court’s directions, each other defendant, if there is more than one, may ask questions in cross-examination, in the order their names appear in the indictment or as directed by the court, and

(ii)the prosecutor may ask such questions; and

(d)the party who called the witness may ask questions in re-examination arising out of any cross-examination.

(5) If other legislation so permits, at any time while giving evidence a witness may refer to a record of that witness’ recollection of events.

(6) The court may—

(a)ask a witness questions; and in particular

(b)where the defendant is not represented, ask a witness any question necessary in the defendant’s interests.

[Note. Section 53 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999(25) provides that everyone is competent to give evidence in criminal proceedings unless unable to understand questions put or give intelligible answers. See also section 1 of the Criminal Evidence Act 1898(26).

[F9Part 19 contains rules about the introduction of evidence of expert opinion. Part 20 contains rules about the introduction of hearsay evidence.]

Sections 1, 3, 5 and 6 of the Oaths Act 1978(27) provide for the taking of oaths and the making of affirmations, and for the words that must be used. Section 28 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1963(28) provides that in a youth court, and where a witness in any court is under 18, an oath must include the words ‘I promise’ in place of the words ‘I swear’. Under sections 55 and 56 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, a person may give evidence without taking an oath, or making an affirmation, where that person (i) is under 14 or (ii) has an insufficient appreciation of the solemnity of the occasion and of the particular responsibility to tell the truth which is involved in taking an oath.

The questions that may be put to a witness—

(a)by a party are governed by rules of evidence, for example—

(i)the rule that a question must be relevant to what is in issue,

(ii)the rule that the party who calls a witness must not ask that witness a leading question about what is in dispute, and

(iii)the rule that a party who calls a witness may contradict that witness only in limited circumstances (see section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1865)(29);

(b)by the court are in its discretion, but that is subject to—

(i)rules of evidence, and

(ii)rule 1.3 (the application by the court of the overriding objective).

Under sections 34, 35 and 36 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999(30), a defendant who is not represented may not cross-examine a witness where—

(a)the defendant is charged with a sexual offence against the witness;

(b)the defendant is charged with a sexual offence, or one of certain other offences, and the witness is a child; or

(c)the court prohibits the defendant from cross-examining the witness.

Part 23 contains rules relevant to restrictions on cross-examination.

Under section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003(31), a witness may refresh his or her memory by referring to a record made earlier, either contained in a document made or verified by the witness, or in the transcript of a sound recording, if—

(a)the witness states that it records his or her recollection of events at that earlier time; and

(b)that recollection is likely to have been significantly better when the record was made than by the time the witness gives evidence in person.

In some circumstances, a witness may give evidence in accordance with special measures directed by the court under section 19 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999(32), or by live link under section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988(33) or section 51 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. Part 18 contains relevant rules.]

Evidence of a witness in writingE+W

25.12.—(1) This rule applies where a party wants to introduce in evidence the written statement of a witness to which applies—

(a)Part 16 (Written witness statements);

(b)Part 19 (Expert evidence); or

(c)Part 20 (Hearsay evidence).

[F10(2) That party must explain how the evidence is admissible unless it is—

(a)evidence of fact within the direct knowledge of the person who made the written statement served under rule 16.4 (Written witness statement in evidence);

(b)contained in an expert’s report served under rule 19.3 (Introduction of expert evidence); or

(c)identified as hearsay in a notice served under rule 20.2 (Notice to introduce hearsay evidence).]

[F11(3)] If the court admits such evidence each relevant part of the statement must be read or summarised aloud, unless the court otherwise directs.

[Note. See Parts 16, 19 and 20, and the other legislation to which those Parts apply. The admissibility of evidence that a party introduces is governed by rules of evidence.

A written witness statement to which Part 16 applies may only be introduced in evidence if there has been no objection within the time limit to which rule 16.4 refers.

An expert report to which Part 19 applies may only be introduced in evidence if it has been served in accordance with rule 19.3.

Rule 20.3 provides for opposing the introduction of hearsay evidence, including such evidence in a document.

Where a witness gives evidence in person, a previous written statement by that witness may be admissible as evidence under section 119 (Inconsistent statements) or under section 120 (Other previous statements of witnesses) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.]

Evidence by admissionE+W

25.13.—(1) This rule applies where—

(a)a party introduces in evidence a fact admitted by another party; or

(b)parties jointly admit a fact.

(2) Unless the court otherwise directs, a written record must be made of the admission.

[Note. See section 10 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967(34). The admissibility of evidence that a party introduces is governed by rules of evidence.]

Directions to the jury and taking the verdictE+W

25.14.—(1) This rule applies where there is a jury.

(2) The court must give the jury directions about the relevant law at any time at which to do so will assist jurors to evaluate the evidence.

(3) After following the sequence in rule 25.9 (Procedure on plea of not guilty), the court must—

[F12(a)to help the jury to come to a verdict—

(i)give jurors directions about the relevant law, and

(ii)summarise for them, to such extent as is necessary, the evidence relevant to the issues they must decide;

(b)give those directions orally and, as a general rule, in writing as well;]

(c)direct the jury to retire to consider its verdict;

(d)if necessary, recall the jury—

(i)to answer jurors’ questions, or

(ii)to give directions, or further directions, about considering and delivering its verdict or verdicts, including, if appropriate, directions about reaching a verdict by a majority;

(e)in a case in which the jury is required to return a single verdict—

(i)recall the jury (unless already recalled) when it informs the court that it has reached its verdict, and

(ii)direct the delivery of that verdict there and then;

(f)in a case in which the jury is required to return two or more verdicts—

(i)recall the jury (unless already recalled) when it informs the court that it has reached a verdict or verdicts, and

(ii)ask the jury whether its members all agree on every verdict required;

(g)if the answer to that question is ‘yes’, direct the delivery of each of those verdicts there and then; and

(h)if the answer to that question is ‘no’—

(i)direct the delivery there and then of any unanimous verdict that has been reached, or

(ii)postpone the taking of any such verdict while the jury considers each other verdict required.

[F13(4) Directions to the jury under paragraph (3)(a) may include questions that the court invites jurors to answer in coming to a verdict.

(5) The court may give the jury other assistance in writing.]

[F14(6)] When the court directs the jury to deliver its verdict or verdicts, the court must ask the foreman chosen by the jury, in respect of each count—

(a)whether the jury has reached a verdict on which all the jurors agree;

(b)if so, whether that verdict is guilty or not guilty;

(c)if not, where the jury has deliberated for at least 2 hours and if the court decides to invite a majority verdict, then—

(i)whether at least 10 (of 11 or 12 jurors), or 9 (of 10 jurors), agreed on a verdict,

(ii)if so, is that verdict guilty or not guilty, and

(iii)if (and only if) such a verdict is guilty, how many jurors agreed to that verdict and how many disagreed.

[F14(7)] Where evidence has been given that the defendant was insane, so as not to be responsible for the act or omission charged as the offence, then under paragraph (5)(b) the court must ask whether the jury’s verdict is guilty, not guilty, or not guilty by reason of insanity.

[Note. Under section 17 of the Juries Act 1974(35), the court may accept the verdict of a majority, as long as the jury has had at least 2 hours for deliberation.

Under section 6 of the Criminal Law Act 1967, the jury may convict a defendant of an offence other than one charged by the indictment if that offence is proved by the evidence.

The verdict to which rule 25.14(6) refers is provided for by section 2 of the Trial of Lunatics Act 1883(36). The evidence required before such a verdict may be reached is prescribed by section 1 of the Criminal Procedure (Insanity and Unfitness to Plead) Act 1991(37).]

Conviction or acquittal without a juryE+W

25.15.—(1) This rule applies where—

(a)the court tries the case without a jury; and

(b)after following the sequence in rule 25.9 (Procedure on plea of not guilty).

(2) In respect of each count, the court must give reasons for its decision to convict or acquit.

[Note. Under sections 44 and 46 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003(38), the court may try a case without a jury where there is a danger of jury tampering, or where jury tampering appears to have taken place. Under section 17 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004(39), the court may try sample counts with a jury and other counts without a jury. Part 3 (preparation for trial in the Crown Court) contains rules about an application for such a trial.]

Procedure if the court convictsE+W

25.16.—[F15(1) This rule applies where the court convicts the defendant.]

(2) The court may exercise its power—

(a)if the defendant is an individual—

(i)to require a pre-sentence report,

(ii)to commission a medical report,

(iii)to require a statement of the defendant’s assets and other financial circumstances;

(b)if the defendant is a corporation, to require such information as the court directs about the defendant’s corporate structure and financial resources;

(c)to adjourn sentence pending—

(i)receipt of any such report, statement or information,

(ii)the verdict in a related case.

(3) The prosecutor must—

(a)summarise the prosecution case, if the sentencing court has not heard evidence;

(b)identify in writing any offence that the prosecutor proposes should be taken into consideration in sentencing;

(c)provide information relevant to sentence, including—

(i)any previous conviction of the defendant, and the circumstances where relevant,

(ii)any statement of the effect of the offence on the victim, the victim’s family or others; F16...

(d)identify any other matter relevant to sentence, including—

(i)the legislation applicable,

(ii)any sentencing guidelines, or guideline cases,

(iii)aggravating and mitigating features affecting the defendant’s culpability and the harm which the offence caused, was intended to cause or might foreseeably have caused, and

(iv)the effect of such of the information listed in paragraph (2) as the court may need to take into account; [F17and]

[F18(e)if the court so directs, where no single indictment contains every count on which the defendant is to be sentenced provide a substituted indictment for sentencing purposes that contains every such count and indicates—

(i)the indictment from which each such count derives,

(ii)the defendant’s plea to each such count,

(iii)if a guilty plea, the date on which that plea was entered, and

(iv)otherwise, the date on which the defendant was convicted on that count.]

(4) Where the defendant pleads guilty, the court may give directions for determining the facts on the basis of which sentence must be passed if—

(a)the defendant wants to be sentenced on a basis agreed with the prosecutor; or

(b)in the absence of such agreement, the defendant wants to be sentenced on the basis of different facts to those disclosed by the prosecution case.

(5) Where the court has power to order the endorsement of the defendant’s driving record, or power to order the defendant to be disqualified from driving—

(a)if other legislation so permits, a defendant who wants the court not to exercise that power must introduce the evidence or information on which the defendant relies;

(b)the prosecutor may introduce evidence; and

(c)the parties may make representations about that evidence or information.

(6) Before passing sentence—

(a)the court must give the defendant an opportunity to make representations and introduce evidence relevant to sentence;

(b)where the defendant is under 18, the court may give the defendant’s parents, guardian or other supporting adult, if present, such an opportunity as well; and

(c)if the court requires more information, it may exercise its power to adjourn the hearing.

(7) When the court has taken into account all the evidence, information and any report available, the court must—

(a)as a general rule, pass sentence at the earliest opportunity;

(b)when passing sentence—

(i)explain the reasons,

(ii)explain to the defendant its effect, the consequences of failing to comply with any order or pay any fine, and any power that the court has to vary or review the sentence, unless the defendant is absent or the defendant’s ill-health or disorderly conduct makes such an explanation impracticable, and

(iii)give any such explanation in terms the defendant, if present, can understand (with help, if necessary); and

(c)deal with confiscation, costs and any behaviour order.

(8) The general rule is subject to the court’s power to defer sentence for up to 6 months.

[Note. See [F19Sections 31, 52, 59, 63, 124, 125 and 126 of the Sentencing Act 2020].

Under sections 57D and 57E of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998(40), the court may require a defendant to attend a sentencing hearing by live link.

Under [F20section 30 of the Sentencing Act 2020], the general rule (subject to exceptions) is that the court must obtain and consider a pre-sentence report—

(a)where it is considering a custodial sentence or a community sentence;

(b)where it thinks the defendant may pose a significant risk of causing serious harm to the public by further offending.

Under [F21section 32(3) of the Sentencing Act 2020], where the court obtains a written pre-sentence report about a defendant who is under 18, it may direct that information in it must be withheld, if it would be likely to create a risk of significant harm to the defendant.

Rule 28.8 of these Rules applies to commissions for medical reports.

Under [F22section 35 of the Sentencing Act 2020], the court may require a defendant who is an individual to provide a statement of assets and other financial circumstances if the defendant is convicted.

Under section 20A of the Criminal Justice Act 1991(41), it is an offence for a defendant knowingly or recklessly to make a false or incomplete statement of assets or other financial circumstances, or to fail to provide such a statement, in response to a request by a court officer on behalf of the court.

The Sentencing Council may issue sentencing guidelines under section 120 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009(42).

For the circumstances in which a court may (and, in some cases, must) order the endorsement of a defendant’s driving record, or the disqualification of a defendant from driving, see sections 34, 35 and 44 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988(43). Under that legislation, in some circumstances the court has discretion not to make such an order. See also rule 29.1.

The evidence that may be introduced is subject to rules of evidence.

In addition to the specific powers to which this rule applies, the court has a general power to adjourn a trial: see rule 25.2.

Part 28 contains rules about sentencing procedure in special cases. Part 31 contains rules about behaviour orders. Part 33 contains rules about confiscation and related orders. Part 45 contains rules about costs.

Under [F23section 3 of the Sentencing Act 2020], if (among other things) the defendant consents, the court may defer sentence for up to 6 months, for the purpose of allowing it to take account of the defendant’s conduct after conviction, or any change in the defendant’s circumstances.]

Provision of documents for the courtE+W

25.17.—(1) Unless the court otherwise directs, a party who introduces a document in evidence, or who otherwise uses a document in presenting that party’s case, must provide a copy for—

(a)each other party;

(b)any witness that party wants to refer to the document; and

(c)the court.

(2) If the court so directs, a party who introduces or uses a document for such a purpose must provide a copy for the jury.

(3) Unless the court otherwise directs, on application or on its own initiative, the court officer must provide for the court—

(a)any copy received under paragraph (1) before the trial begins; F24...

(b)a copy of the court officer’s record of—

(i)information supplied by each party for the purposes of case management, including any revision of information previously supplied,

(ii)each pre-trial direction for the management of the case,

(iii)any pre-trial decision to admit evidence,

(iv)any pre-trial direction about the giving of evidence, and

(v)any admission to which rule 25.13 (Evidence by admission) applies; F25...

(c)any other document served on the court officer for the use of the court; [F26and]

[F27(d)any evidence or other material prepared for the court.]

[F28Duty of court officer and custodian]E+W

25.18.—[F29(1)] The court officer must—

(a)serve on each party notice of where and when an adjourned hearing will resume, unless that party was present when that was arranged;

(b)if the reason for the adjournment was to postpone sentence, include that reason in any such notice to the defendant;

(c)unless the court otherwise directs, make available to the parties any written report to which rule 25.16(2) applies (pre-sentence and medical reports);

(d)where the court has ordered a defendant to provide information under section 25 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988(44), serve on the defendant notice of that order unless the defendant was present when it was made;

(e)give the court such other assistance as it requires, including—

(i)selecting jurors from the panel summoned by the Lord Chancellor, under rule 25.6 (Selecting the jury),

(ii)taking the oaths or affirmations of jurors and witnesses, under rules 25.6 and 25.11 (Evidence of a witness in person),

(iii)informing the jurors of the offence or offences charged in the indictment, and of their duty, under rule 25.9 (Procedure on plea of not guilty),

[F30(iv)retaining a copy of any written directions given to the jury under rule 25.14(2) or (3)(a),]

[F31(v)retaining a copy of any written material given to assist the jury under rule 25.14(5), and]

(vi)asking the jury foreman to deliver the verdict, under [F32rule 25.14(6)].

[F33(2) Where the court passes a sentence of immediate imprisonment or detention, or orders a suspended sentence of imprisonment to take effect, by this rule—

(a)the court requires the defendant to provide, in writing or orally, his or her nationality; and

(b)the custodian must obtain that information and record it.]

[Note. See also section 82 of the Senior Courts Act 1981(45) (Duties of officers of Crown Court).

Under Part 5, the court officer must—

(a)record details of a case and of the court’s decisions; and

(b)give public notice of specified details about a trial, including by such arrangements as the Lord Chancellor directs.

Under section 25 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, where the court does not know a defendant’s sex or date of birth, then on convicting the defendant of an offence involving obligatory or discretionary disqualification, the court must order the defendant to provide that information.]

[F34Under section 86A of the Courts Act 2003, Criminal Procedure Rules must specify stages of proceedings at which the court must require the information to which rule 25.18(2) refers. A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, that person fails to comply with such a requirement, whether by providing false or incomplete information or by providing no information.]