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WEST, Ellis

Case Reference: 11SS0115326

Case Details

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Reference

11SS0115326

Court

Peterlee

Magistrate

Before: Mr Carey JP , Mrs Hooper JP , Mr Nicholson JP , Colonel Simpson MBE JP MICG , Ms Whitehead JP

Hearing Date

18 May 2026

Time

09:30am

Hearing Type

First hearing

Court Type

magistrates

Prosecutor

N/A

Case Details

Offence Details: Theft from a shop. Theft from a shop. Criminal damage to property - value under £5000. Use threatening / abusive / insulting words / behaviour to cause harassment / alarm / distress.

Estimated Defendant Profile
Statistical Estimate

Notice: This profile is programmatically generated using statistical name metrics from the UK ONS Census and international records. It represents demographic likelihoods and should not be used as absolute factual personal records.

Gender Probability

Male

Likely Age

~31 years old

Predicted Nationality / Origin

British/Irish (GB)

Next Steps at this First Hearing / First Appearance

At the first hearing (usually in the Magistrates' Court), the charges are formally read. The defendant is asked to enter a plea. If pleading guilty, sentencing can sometimes happen immediately or be adjourned. If pleading not guilty, the court will make directions to manage the case or transfer it to the Crown Court for trial.

Court Jurisdiction: Magistrates' Court - Magistrates' Courts handle virtually all summary offences (minor offences) and start the proceedings for serious offences. They are presided over by three volunteer Magistrates (advised by a legal advisor) or a single qualified District Judge. They do not have a jury.

UK Offence & Sentencing Guidelines

Theft / Shoplifting

Theft is the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving them of it (Theft Act 1968). Shoplifting is a common form of theft from retail premises.

Sentencing: Triable either way. Low-value shoplifting (under £200) is prosecuted as a summary offence in the Magistrates' Court. General theft carries a maximum of 7 years imprisonment in the Crown Court, though low-level offences usually result in fines, discharges, or community service.
Harassment / Stalking

Engaging in a course of conduct (on at least two occasions) that causes alarm, distress, or fear of violence to another person, knowing or ought to know it amounts to harassment.

Sentencing: Summary harassment carries up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine. If the harassment causes fear of violence, or is racially or religiously motivated, it is triable either way and carries a maximum of 5 to 14 years imprisonment.
Disclaimer: The legal definitions and sentencing guidelines above are for general educational purposes under English Law and do not constitute formal legal representation or advice. If you are facing criminal prosecution, consult a qualified criminal defense solicitor immediately.

Case FAQs & Procedure Guide

Yes, it is highly recommended. Legal representation ensures your rights are protected, especially when entering a plea or applying for bail. A duty solicitor is usually available at court for eligible defendants.

Pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity typically entitles you to a sentence reduction (up to one-third off the penalty). The court may sentence you immediately or adjourn to obtain a pre-sentence report.

The case will be adjourned, and a trial date will be set. The court will determine issues such as bail, witness requirements, and evidence submission deadlines.

For a single summary/either-way offence, magistrates can sentence a defendant to a maximum of 6 months in prison (or up to 12 months for multiple either-way offences), alongside unlimited fines and community orders.

Magistrates are trained volunteers from the local community who sit in panels of three. A District Judge is a qualified legal professional who sits alone. Both have the same sentencing powers.

Theft is the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving them of it (Theft Act 1968). Shoplifting is a common form of theft from retail premises.

Triable either way. Low-value shoplifting (under £200) is prosecuted as a summary offence in the Magistrates' Court. General theft carries a maximum of 7 years imprisonment in the Crown Court, though low-level offences usually result in fines, discharges, or community service.

Engaging in a course of conduct (on at least two occasions) that causes alarm, distress, or fear of violence to another person, knowing or ought to know it amounts to harassment.

Summary harassment carries up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine. If the harassment causes fear of violence, or is racially or religiously motivated, it is triable either way and carries a maximum of 5 to 14 years imprisonment.

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