Records of recent UK court decisions

September 17, 2008 12:23 PM

What's the best way to find information about a recent (i.e., one week old) magistrates' court decision in the UK?

A friend attended a magistrates court in the UK last week for what I (and, I believe, he) thought was going to be a pre-trial hearing. Instead, I've he was sentenced to several months in prison, and immediately taken into custody. I have an appointment to visit him next week, and am trying to see if I can arrange alternative legal representation if he wants it (I could call his existing solicitor, but would prefer not to if possible). In the meantime, I am trying to get as much information about the case as possible. Is there a searchable database, or any other way I can find information about the case? Thanks in advance for your help.

posted by muhonnin to Law & Government (3 answers total)

I don't know, but the clerk of the court where the judgement was delivered would be the first person to ask, if you don't get a good answer here.
posted by wilko at 1:30 PM on September 17, 2008

(And by 'clerk', I may mean his underling, the usher - either, go ask at the court).
posted by wilko at 1:32 PM on September 17, 2008

Court lists and results are, as far as I know, a matter of public record. Try this link to find out the number of the court and ask to speak to the listings officer.

Alternatively, the local newspaper may keep records of results, so you could try ringing a journalist there.
posted by greycap at 2:16 PM on September 17, 2008