Wales and Cheshire Region Practice Direction

The following directions will apply to all appeals from Magistrates’ Courts against conviction heard at Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Carmarthen, Merthyr Tydfil and Haverfordwest.

1. The Crown Court will on receipt of a notice of appeal against conviction send a copy of the notice of appeal by facsimile or direct computer link to the Crown Prosecution Service.

2. As soon as possible and in any event within a maximum of two working days of the sending of the copy of the notice of appeal by the Crown Court, the Crown Prosecution Service will advise the Crown Court Liaison Officer for the relevant police area of the names of the witnesses in the case. The list of witnesses will identify separately (1) those who gave oral evidence in the Magistrates’ Court and (2) those whose statements were read.

3. As soon as possible and in any event within a maximum of four working days of the receipt of the list of witnesses, the necessary enquiries to ascertain witness availability will be completed by the relevant police area.

4. Prior to the listing of the case, the Crown Court will contact the Crown Court Liaison Officer of the relevant police area and ascertain the details of the availability of the witnesses in the case. In cases where the defendant is on bail, a period of seven days notice will be given before the case is listed. In cases where the defendant is in custody seven days notice will be provided wherever possible.

5. The Resident Judge or his deputy may abridge any of the time limits in any case where expedition is required.

The Hon. Mr Justice Thomas
The Hon. Mr Justice Richards

May 2001

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