Back to Criminal Cases

VERNEY Paul

Case Reference: 01MP1102324

Case Details

Reference

01MP1102324

Court

Maidstone

Magistrate

HIS HONOUR JUDGE ST JOHN-STEVENS , HIS HONOUR JUDGE HARRIS , MR RECORDER WOOD , MR RECORDER D WOOD , HER HONOUR JUDGE MOORE , HER HONOUR JUDGE CATHERINE MOORE , HIS HONOUR JUDGE SMITH - THE HONORARY RECORDER OF MAIDSTONE , HIS HONOUR JUDGE JULIAN SMITH , HIS HONOUR JUDGE BRANSTON , HIS HONOUR JUDGE LUCAS KC

Hearing Date

21 May 2026

Time

2:45 pm

Hearing Type

Court Type

crown

Prosecutor

N/A

Case Details

RE: POCA; COUNSEL VIA CVP; DEFENDANT VIA HMP ELMLEY RM 7 - RSVD HHJ SJS

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: Crown Court - The Crown Court handles serious criminal cases (indictable-only offences, like murder, rape, robbery) and either-way offences sent up by the Magistrates' Court. Trials are heard by a judge and a jury of 12 citizens. Sentencing powers are up to the statutory maximum for the offence (including life imprisonment).

General Case Information

This listing represents public court record proceedings for VERNEY Paul. The legal proceedings will occur at Maidstone. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Source: HMCTS Public Court Lists.
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.

Guilt is decided by a jury of 12 randomly selected members of the public, who must decide unanimously (or by a majority, if permitted by the judge) if the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge ensures the trial is conducted fairly according to the law, rules on legal arguments, summarizes the case for the jury, and determines the sentence if the defendant is convicted.

Interested in the outcome of this case? You can request more information by emailing the court directly using the Email Court button at the top of the page.

Discussion

Loading comments...

Leave a comment

Comments are anonymous and moderated.