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SMITH Richard

Case Reference: 04ZL1639823

Case Details

Reference

04ZL1639823

Court

Preston

Magistrate

MISS RECORDER FISHER , MISS RECORDER E FISHER , HER HONOUR JUDGE GUNN , HIS HONOUR JUDGE ARCHER , HIS HONOUR JUDGE HODGKINSON , MISS RECORDER A SIDDIQI , MS RECORDER A SIDDIQI , HIS HONOUR JUDGE MATHIESON , HIS HONOUR JUDGE PRESTON , HIS HONOUR JUDGE ROBERT ALTHAM. HONORARY RECORDER OF PRESTON , HIS HONOUR JUDGE ROBERT ALTHAM , THE HONORARY RECORDER OF PRESTON

Hearing Date

27 May 2026

Time

10:30 am

Hearing Type

For Mention

Court Type

crown

Prosecutor

CPS

Case Details

Complainant's anonymity protected by virtue of Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992, TRL 29.6.26

Next Steps at this Mention / Case Management / Directions

A mention hearing is scheduled to deal with administrative or legal issues that arise before a trial. This includes discussing outstanding evidence, resolve disclosure disputes, review witness availability, or address bail conditions. The defendant may or may not need to attend, depending on court directions.

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 SMITH Richard. The legal proceedings will occur at Preston. 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

Mention hearings are used to keep the case on track. They ensure both the prosecution and defense are complying with court timetables, preventing unnecessary delays on the trial day.

In some instances, if the defendant is represented by a solicitor or barrister, the court may excuse their personal attendance for purely administrative mention hearings. You must confirm this with your legal representative.

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.

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