Wales and Cheshire Region Practice Direction

It is directed that:

Before the Court will consider a 'Basis of Plea', the same must be put into writing and signed by Counsel for the Prosecution and Defence.

If the Crown are minded to accept the 'Basis of Plea', Counsel for the Crown must submit to the Court reasons for accepting it.

The Court will then decide whether a 'Newton' hearing should be ordered for the Court to determine on what basis the Defendant should be sentenced.

The Hon. Mr Justice Curtis
The Hon. Mr Justice Maurice Kay

31 January 1997

Previous Directions on this topic have been issued locally on this Circuit. The above Practice Direction is designed to secure uniformity of practice at all Wales and Chester Circuit Courts.

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