The Criminal Procedure Rules 2013

Type Statutory-Instrument
Publication 2013-06-19
State In force
Department King's Printer of Acts of Parliament
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  • (4) The application and witness statement must be served on the prosecutor at least seven days before the date fixed by the court for hearing the application, unless the Crown Court specifies a shorter period.

Payment of money in bank or building society account in satisfaction of confiscation order

58.12
  • (1) An order under section 67 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002[^f00643] requiring a bank or building society to pay money to a magistrates’ court officer (‘a payment order’) shall—
  • (a) be directed to the bank or building society in respect of which the payment order is made;
  • (b) name the person against whom the confiscation order has been made;
  • (c) state the amount which remains to be paid under the confiscation order;
  • (d) state the name and address of the branch at which the account in which the money ordered to be paid is held and the sort code of that branch, if the sort code is known;
  • (e) state the name in which the account in which the money ordered to be paid is held and the account number of that account, if the account number is known;
  • (f) state the amount which the bank or building society is required to pay to the court officer under the payment order;
  • (g) give the name and address of the court officer to whom payment is to be made; and
  • (h) require the bank or building society to make payment within a period of seven days beginning on the day on which the payment order is made, unless it appears to the court that a longer or shorter period would be appropriate in the particular circumstances.
  • (2) In this rule ‘confiscation order’ has the meaning given to it by section 88(6) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

PART 59 — PROCEEDS OF CRIME ACT 2002: RULES APPLICABLE ONLY TO RESTRAINT PROCEEDINGS

Contents of this Part
Application for restraint order or ancillary order rule 59.1
Restraint and ancillary orders rule 59.2
Application for discharge or variation of restraint or ancillary order
by a person affected by the order rule 59.3
Application for variation of restraint or ancillary order
by the person who applied for the order rule 59.4
Application for discharge of restraint or ancillary order
by the person who applied for the order rule 59.5
Application to punish for contempt of court rule 59.6

Application for restraint order or ancillary order

59.1
  • (1) This rule applies where the prosecutor, or an accredited financial investigator, makes an application under section 42 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002[^f00644] for—
  • (a) a restraint order, under section 41(1) of the 2002 Act; or
  • (b) an ancillary order, under section 41(7) of that Act, for the purpose of ensuring that a restraint order is effective.
  • (2) The application may be made without notice if the application is urgent or if there are reasonable grounds for believing that giving notice would cause the dissipation of realisable property which is the subject of the application.
  • (3) An application for a restraint order must be in writing and supported by a witness statement which must—
  • (a) give the grounds for the application;
  • (b) to the best of the witness’ ability, give full details of the realisable property in respect of which the applicant is seeking the order and specify the person holding that realisable property;
  • (c) include the proposed terms of the order.
  • (4) An application for an ancillary order must be in writing and supported by a witness statement which must—
  • (a) give the grounds for, and full details of, the application;
  • (b) include, if appropriate—
  • (i) any request for an order for disclosure of documents to which rule 61.9 applies (rules applicable to restraint and receivership proceedings: disclosure and inspection of documents),
  • (ii) the identity of any person whom the applicant wants the court to examine about the extent or whereabouts of realisable property,
  • (iii) a list of the main questions that the applicant wants to ask any such person, and
  • (iv) a list of any documents to which the applicant wants to refer such a person; and
  • (c) include the proposed terms of the order.
  • (5) An application for a restraint order and an application for an ancillary order may (but need not) be made at the same time and contained in the same documents.
  • (6) An application by an accredited financial investigator must include a statement that, under section 68 of the 2002 Act[^f00645], the applicant has authority to apply.

Restraint and ancillary orders

59.2
  • (1) The Crown Court may make a restraint order subject to exceptions, including, but not limited to, exceptions for reasonable living expenses and reasonable legal expenses, and for the purpose of enabling any person to carry on any trade, business or occupation.
  • (2) But the Crown Court must not make an exception for legal expenses where this is prohibited by section 41(4) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
  • (3) An exception to a restraint order may be made subject to conditions.
  • (4) The Crown Court must not require the applicant for a restraint order to give any undertaking relating to damages sustained as a result of the restraint order by a person who is prohibited from dealing with realisable property by the restraint order.
  • (5) The Crown Court may require the applicant for a restraint order to give an undertaking to pay the reasonable expenses of any person, other than a person who is prohibited from dealing with realisable property by the restraint order, which are incurred in complying with the restraint order.
  • (6) An order must include a statement that disobedience of the order, either by a person to whom the order is addressed, or by another person, may be contempt of court and the order must include details of the possible consequences of being held in contempt of court.
  • (7) Unless the Crown Court otherwise directs, an order made without notice has effect until the court makes an order varying or discharging it.
  • (8) The applicant for an order must—
  • (a) serve copies of the order and of the witness statement made in support of the application on the defendant and any person who is prohibited by the order from dealing with realisable property; and
  • (b) notify any person whom the applicant knows to be affected by the order of its terms.

Application for discharge or variation of restraint or ancillary order by a person affected by the order

59.3
  • (1) This rule applies where a person affected by a restraint order makes an application to the Crown Court under section 42(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to discharge or vary the restraint order or any ancillary order made under section 41(7) of the Act.
  • (2) The application must be in writing and may be supported by a witness statement.
  • (3) The application and any witness statement must be lodged with the Crown Court.
  • (4) The application and any witness statement must be served on the person who applied for the restraint order and any person who is prohibited from dealing with realisable property by the restraint order (if he is not the person making the application) at least two days before the date fixed by the court for hearing the application, unless the Crown Court specifies a shorter period.

Application for variation of restraint or ancillary order by the person who applied for the order

59.4
  • (1) This rule applies where the applicant for a restraint order makes an application under section 42(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to the Crown Court to vary the restraint order or any ancillary order made under section 41(7) of the 2002 Act (including where the court has already made a restraint order and the applicant is seeking to vary the order in order to restrain further realisable property).
  • (2) The application may be made without notice if the application is urgent or if there are reasonable grounds for believing that giving notice would cause the dissipation of realisable property which is the subject of the application.
  • (3) The application must be in writing and must be supported by a witness statement which must—
  • (a) give the grounds for the application;
  • (b) where the application is for the inclusion of further realisable property in a restraint order give full details, to the best of the witness’s ability, of the realisable property in respect of which the applicant is seeking the order and specify the person holding that realisable property;
  • (c) where the application is to vary an ancillary order, include, if appropriate—
  • (i) any request for an order for disclosure of documents to which rule 61.9 applies (rules applicable to restraint and receivership proceedings: disclosure and inspection of documents),
  • (ii) the identity of any person whom the applicant wants the court to examine about the extent or whereabouts of realisable property,
  • (iii) a list of the main questions that the applicant wants to ask any such person, and
  • (iv) a list of any documents to which the applicant wants to refer such a person; and
  • (d) include the proposed terms of the variation.
  • (4) An application by an accredited financial investigator must include a statement that, under section 68 of the 2002 Act, the applicant has authority to apply.
  • (5) The application and witness statement must be lodged with the Crown Court.
  • (6) Except where, under paragraph (2), notice of the application is not required to be served, the application and witness statement must be served on any person who is prohibited from dealing with realisable property by the restraint order at least 2 days before the date fixed by the court for hearing the application, unless the Crown Court specifies a shorter period.
  • (7) If the court makes an order for the variation of a restraint or ancillary order, the applicant must serve copies of the order and of the witness statement made in support of the application on—
  • (a) the defendant;
  • (b) any person who is prohibited from dealing with realisable property by the restraint order (whether before or after the variation); and
  • (c) any other person whom the applicant knows to be affected by the order.

Application for discharge of restraint or ancillary order by the person who applied for the order

59.5
  • (1) This rule applies where the applicant for a restraint order makes an application under section 42(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to discharge the order or any ancillary order made under section 41(7) of the 2002 Act.
  • (2) The application may be made without notice.
  • (3) The application must be in writing and must state the grounds for the application.
  • (4) If the court makes an order for the discharge of a restraint or ancillary order, the applicant must serve copies of the order on—
  • (a) the defendant;
  • (b) any person who is prohibited from dealing with realisable property by the restraint order (whether before or after the discharge); and
  • (c) any other person whom the applicant knows to be affected by the order.

Application to punish for contempt of court

59.6
  • (1) This rule applies where a person is accused of disobeying—
  • (a) a restraint order; or
  • (b) an ancillary order made for the purpose of ensuring that a restraint order is effective.
  • (2) An applicant who wants the Crown Court to exercise its power to punish that person for contempt of court must comply with the rules in Part 62 (Contempt of court).

[Note. The Crown Court has inherent power to punish for contempt of court a person who disobeys its order: see section 45 of the Senior Courts Act 1981[^f00646].]

PART 60 — PROCEEDS OF CRIME ACT 2002: RULES APPLICABLE ONLY TO RECEIVERSHIP PROCEEDINGS

Contents of this Part
Application for appointment of
a management or an enforcement receiver rule 60.1
Application for conferral of powers on
a management receiver or an enforcement receiver rule 60.2
Applications for discharge or variation of receivership orders,
and applications for other orders rule 60.3
Sums in the hands of receivers rule 60.4
Security rule 60.5
Remuneration rule 60.6
Accounts rule 60.7
Non-compliance by receiver rule 60.8

Application for appointment of a management or an enforcement receiver

60.1
  • (1) This rule applies to an application for the appointment of a management receiver under section 48(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002[^f00647] and an application for the appointment of an enforcement receiver under section 50(1) of the 2002 Act.
  • (2) The application may be made without notice if—
  • (a) the application is joined with an application for a restraint order under rule 59.1;
  • (b) the application is urgent; or
  • (c) there are reasonable grounds for believing that giving notice would cause the dissipation of realisable property which is the subject of the application.
  • (3) The application must be in writing and must be supported by a witness statement which must—
  • (a) give the grounds for the application;
  • (b) give full details of the proposed receiver;
  • (c) to the best of the witness’ ability, give full details of the realisable property in respect of which the applicant is seeking the order and specify the person holding that realisable property;
  • (d) where the application is made by an accredited financial investigator, include a statement that, under section 68 of the 2002 Act, the applicant has authority to apply; and
  • (e) if the proposed receiver is not a person falling within section 55(8) of the 2002 Act[^f00648] and the applicant is asking the court to allow the receiver to act—
  • (i) without giving security, or
  • (ii) before he has given security or satisfied the court that he has security in place,

explain the reasons why that is necessary.

  • (4) Where the application is for the appointment of an enforcement receiver, the applicant must provide the Crown Court with a copy of the confiscation order made against the defendant.
  • (5) The application and witness statement must be lodged with the Crown Court.
  • (6) Except where, under paragraph (2), notice of the application is not required to be served, the application and witness statement must be lodged with the Crown Court and served on—
  • (a) the defendant;
  • (b) any person who holds realisable property to which the application relates; and
  • (c) any other person whom the applicant knows to be affected by the application,

at least seven days before the date fixed by the court for hearing the application, unless the Crown Court specifies a shorter period.

  • (7) If the court makes an order for the appointment of a receiver, the applicant must serve copies of the order and of the witness statement made in support of the application on—
  • (a) the defendant;
  • (b) any person who holds realisable property to which the order applies; and
  • (c) any other person whom the applicant knows to be affected by the order.

Application for conferral of powers on a management receiver or an enforcement receiver

60.2
  • (1) This rule applies to an application for the conferral of powers on a management receiver under section 49(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 or an enforcement receiver under section 51(1) of the 2002 Act.
  • (2) The application may be made without notice if the application is to give the receiver power to take possession of property and—
  • (a) the application is joined with an application for a restraint order under rule 59.1;
  • (b) the application is urgent; or
  • (c) there are reasonable grounds for believing that giving notice would cause the dissipation of the property which is the subject of the application.
  • (3) The application must be made in writing and supported by a witness statement which must—
  • (a) give the grounds for the application;
  • (b) give full details of the realisable property in respect of which the applicant is seeking the order and specify the person holding that realisable property;
  • (c) where the application is made by an accredited financial investigator, include a statement that, under section 68 of the 2002 Act, the applicant has authority to apply; and
  • (d) where the application is for power to start, carry on or defend legal proceedings in respect of the property, explain—
  • (i) what proceedings are concerned, in what court, and
  • (ii) what powers the receiver will ask that court to exercise.
  • (4) Where the application is for the conferral of powers on an enforcement receiver, the applicant must provide the Crown Court with a copy of the confiscation order made against the defendant.
  • (5) The application and witness statement must be lodged with the Crown Court.
  • (6) Except where, under paragraph (2), notice of the application is not required to be served, the application and witness statement must be served on—
  • (a) the defendant;
  • (b) any person who holds realisable property in respect of which a receiver has been appointed or in respect of which an application for a receiver has been made;
  • (c) any other person whom the applicant knows to be affected by the application; and
  • (d) the receiver (if one has already been appointed),

at least seven days before the date fixed by the court for hearing the application, unless the Crown Court specifies a shorter period.

  • (7) If the court makes an order for the conferral of powers on a receiver, the applicant must serve copies of the order on—
  • (a) the defendant;
  • (b) any person who holds realisable property in respect of which the receiver has been appointed; and
  • (c) any other person whom the applicant knows to be affected by the order.

Applications for discharge or variation of receivership orders, and applications for other orders

60.3
  • (1) This rule applies to applications under section 62(3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 for orders (by persons affected by the action of receivers) and applications under section 63(1) of the 2002 Act[^f00649] for the discharge or variation of orders relating to receivers.
  • (2) The application must be made in writing and lodged with the Crown Court.
  • (3) The application must be served on the following persons (except where they are the person making the application)—
  • (a) the person who applied for appointment of the receiver;
  • (b) the defendant;
  • (c) any person who holds realisable property in respect of which the receiver has been appointed;
  • (d) the receiver; and
  • (e) any other person whom the applicant knows to be affected by the application,

at least seven days before the date fixed by the court for hearing the application, unless the Crown Court specifies a shorter period.

  • (4) If the court makes an order for the discharge or variation of an order relating to a receiver under section 63(2) of the 2002 Act, the applicant must serve copies of the order on any persons whom he knows to be affected by the order.

Sums in the hands of receivers

60.4
  • (1) This rule applies where the amount payable under a confiscation order has been fully paid and any sums remain in the hands of an enforcement receiver.
  • (2) The receiver must make an application to the Crown Court for directions as to the distribution of the sums in his hands.
  • (3) The application and any evidence which the receiver intends to rely on in support of the application must be served on—
  • (a) the defendant; and
  • (b) any other person who held (or holds) interests in any property realised by the receiver,

at least seven days before the date fixed by the court for hearing the application, unless the Crown Court specifies a shorter period.

  • (4) If any of the provisions listed in paragraph (5) (provisions as to the vesting of funds in a trustee in bankruptcy) apply, then the Crown Court must make a declaration to that effect.
  • (5) These are the provisions—
  • (a) section 31B of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985[^f00650];
  • (b) section 306B of the Insolvency Act 1986[^f00651]; and
  • (c) article 279B of The Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989[^f00652].

Security

60.5
  • (1) This rule applies where the Crown Court appoints a receiver under section 48 or 50 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the receiver is not a person falling within section 55(8) of the 2002 Act[^f00653] (and it is immaterial whether the receiver is a permanent or temporary member of staff or on secondment from elsewhere).
  • (2) The Crown Court may direct that before the receiver begins to act, or within a specified time, he must either—
  • (a) give such security as the Crown Court may determine; or
  • (b) file with the Crown Court and serve on all parties to any receivership proceedings evidence that he already has in force sufficient security,

to cover his liability for his acts and omissions as a receiver.

  • (3) The Crown Court may terminate the appointment of a receiver if he fails to—
  • (a) give the security; or
  • (b) satisfy the court as to the security he has in force,

by the date specified.

Remuneration

60.6
  • (1) This rule applies where the Crown Court appoints a receiver under section 48 or 50 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the receiver is not a person falling within section 55(8) of the 2002 Act (and it is immaterial whether the receiver is a permanent or temporary member of staff or on secondment from elsewhere).
  • (2) The receiver may only charge for his services if the Crown Court—
  • (a) so directs; and
  • (b) specifies the basis on which the receiver is to be remunerated.
  • (3) Unless the Crown Court orders otherwise, in determining the remuneration of the receiver, the Crown Court shall award such sum as is reasonable and proportionate in all the circumstances and which takes into account—
  • (a) the time properly given by him and his staff to the receivership;
  • (b) the complexity of the receivership;
  • (c) any responsibility of an exceptional kind or degree which falls on the receiver in consequence of the receivership;
  • (d) the effectiveness with which the receiver appears to be carrying out, or to have carried out, his duties; and
  • (e) the value and nature of the subject matter of the receivership.
  • (4) The Crown Court may refer the determination of a receiver’s remuneration to be ascertained by the taxing authority of the Crown Court and rules 76.11 to 76.14 shall have effect as if the taxing authority was ascertaining costs.
  • (5) A receiver appointed under section 48 of the 2002 Act is to receive his remuneration by realising property in respect of which he is appointed, in accordance with section 49(2)(d) of the 2002 Act.
  • (6) A receiver appointed under section 50 of the 2002 Act is to receive his remuneration by applying to the magistrates’ court officer for payment under section 55(4)(b) of the 2002 Act[^f00654].

Accounts

60.7
  • (1) The Crown Court may order a receiver appointed under section 48 or 50 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to prepare and serve accounts.
  • (2) A party to receivership proceedings served with such accounts may apply for an order permitting him to inspect any document in the possession of the receiver relevant to those accounts.
  • (3) Any party to receivership proceedings may, within 14 days of being served with the accounts, serve notice on the receiver—
  • (a) specifying any item in the accounts to which he objects;
  • (b) giving the reason for such objection; and
  • (c) requiring the receiver within 14 days of receipt of the notice, either—
  • (i) to notify all the parties who were served with the accounts that he accepts the objection, or
  • (ii) if he does not accept the objection, to apply for an examination of the accounts in relation to the contested item.
  • (4) When the receiver applies for the examination of the accounts he must at the same time lodge with the Crown Court—
  • (a) the accounts; and
  • (b) a copy of the notice served on him under this section of the rule.
  • (5) If the receiver fails to comply with paragraph (3)(c) of this rule, any party to receivership proceedings may apply to the Crown Court for an examination of the accounts in relation to the contested item.
  • (6) At the conclusion of its examination of the accounts the court must certify the result.

Non-compliance by receiver

60.8
  • (1) If a receiver appointed under section 48 or 50 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 fails to comply with any rule, practice direction or direction of the Crown Court, the Crown Court may order him to attend a hearing to explain his non-compliance.
  • (2) At the hearing, the Crown Court may make any order it considers appropriate, including—
  • (a) terminating the appointment of the receiver;
  • (b) reducing the receiver’s remuneration or disallowing it altogether; and
  • (c) ordering the receiver to pay the costs of any party.

PART 61 — PROCEEDS OF CRIME ACT 2002: RULES APPLICABLE TO RESTRAINT AND RECEIVERSHIP PROCEEDINGS

Contents of this Part
Distress and forfeiture rule 61.1
Joining of applications rule 61.2
Applications to be dealt with in writing rule 61.3
Business in chambers rule 61.4
Power of court to control evidence rule 61.5
Evidence of witnesses rule 61.6
Witness summons rule 61.7
Hearsay evidence rule 61.8
Disclosure and inspection of documents rule 61.9
Court documents rule 61.10
Consent orders rule 61.11
Slips and omissions rule 61.12
Supply of documents from court records rule 61.13
Disclosure of documents in criminal proceedings rule 61.14
Preparation of documents rule 61.15
Change of solicitor rule 61.16
Application by solicitor for declaration that
solicitor has ceased to act rule 61.17
Application by other party for declaration that
solicitor has ceased to act rule 61.18
Order for costs rule 61.19
Assessment of costs rule 61.20
Time for complying with an order for costs rule 61.21
Application of costs rules rule 61.22

Distress and forfeiture

61.1
  • (1) This rule applies to applications under sections 58(2) and (3) and 59(2) and (3) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002[^f00655] for leave of the Crown Court to levy distress against property or exercise a right of forfeiture by peaceable re-entry in relation to a tenancy, in circumstances where the property or tenancy is the subject of a restraint order or a receiver has been appointed in respect of the property or tenancy.
  • (2) The application must be made in writing to the Crown Court.
  • (3) The application must be served on—
  • (a) the person who applied for the restraint order or the order appointing the receiver; and
  • (b) any receiver appointed in respect of the property or tenancy,

at least seven days before the date fixed by the court for hearing the application, unless the Crown Court specifies a shorter period.

Joining of applications

61.2

An application for the appointment of a management receiver or enforcement receiver under rule 60.1 may be joined with—

  • (a) an application for a restraint order under rule 59.1; and
  • (b) an application for the conferral of powers on the receiver under rule 60.2.

Applications to be dealt with in writing

61.3

Applications in restraint proceedings and receivership proceedings are to be dealt with without a hearing, unless the Crown Court orders otherwise.

Business in chambers

61.4

Restraint proceedings and receivership proceedings may be heard in chambers.

Power of court to control evidence

61.5
  • (1) When hearing restraint proceedings and receivership proceedings, the Crown Court may control the evidence by giving directions as to—
  • (a) the issues on which it requires evidence;
  • (b) the nature of the evidence which it requires to decide those issues; and
  • (c) the way in which the evidence is to be placed before the court.
  • (2) The court may use its power under this rule to exclude evidence that would otherwise be admissible.
  • (3) The court may limit cross-examination in restraint proceedings and receivership proceedings.

Evidence of witnesses

61.6
  • (1) The general rule is that, unless the Crown Court orders otherwise, any fact which needs to be proved in restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings by the evidence of a witness is to be proved by their evidence in writing.
  • (2) Where evidence is to be given in writing under this rule, any party may apply to the Crown Court for permission to cross-examine the person giving the evidence.
  • (3) If the Crown Court gives permission under paragraph (2) but the person in question does not attend as required by the order, his evidence may not be used unless the court gives permission.

Witness summons

61.7
  • (1) Any party to restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings may apply to the Crown Court to issue a witness summons requiring a witness to—
  • (a) attend court to give evidence; or
  • (b) produce documents to the court.
  • (2) Rule 28.3 applies to an application under this rule as it applies to an application under section 2 of the Criminal Procedure (Attendance of Witnesses) Act 1965[^f00656].

Hearsay evidence

61.8

Section 2(1) of the Civil Evidence Act 1995[^f00657] (duty to give notice of intention to rely on hearsay evidence) does not apply to evidence in restraint proceedings and receivership proceedings.

Disclosure and inspection of documents

61.9
  • (1) This rule applies where, in the course of restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings, an issue arises as to whether property is realisable property.
  • (2) The Crown Court may make an order for disclosure of documents.
  • (3) Part 31 of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998[^f00658] as amended from time to time shall have effect as if the proceedings were proceedings in the High Court.

Court documents

61.10
  • (1) Any order which the Crown Court issues in restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings must—
  • (a) state the name and judicial title of the person who made it;
  • (b) bear the date on which it is made; and
  • (c) be sealed by the Crown Court.
  • (2) The Crown Court may place the seal on the order—
  • (a) by hand; or
  • (b) by printing a facsimile of the seal on the order whether electronically or otherwise.
  • (3) A document purporting to bear the court’s seal shall be admissible in evidence without further proof.
61.11
  • (1) This rule applies where all the parties to restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings agree the terms in which an order should be made.
  • (2) Any party may apply for a judgment or order in the terms agreed.
  • (3) The Crown Court may deal with an application under paragraph (2) without a hearing.
  • (4) Where this rule applies—
  • (a) the order which is agreed by the parties must be drawn up in the terms agreed;
  • (b) it must be expressed as being ‘By Consent’; and
  • (c) it must be signed by the legal representative acting for each of the parties to whom the order relates or by the party if he is a litigant in person.
  • (5) Where an application is made under this rule, then the requirements of any other rule as to the procedure for making an application do not apply.

Slips and omissions

61.12
  • (1) The Crown Court may at any time correct an accidental slip or omission in an order made in restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings.
  • (2) A party may apply for a correction without notice.

Supply of documents from court records

61.13
  • (1) No document relating to restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings may be supplied from the records of the Crown Court for any person to inspect or copy unless the Crown Court grants permission.
  • (2) An application for permission under paragraph (1) must be made on notice to the parties to the proceedings.

Disclosure of documents in criminal proceedings

61.14
  • (1) This rule applies where—
  • (a) proceedings for an offence have been started in the Crown Court and the defendant has not been either convicted or acquitted on all counts; and
  • (b) an application for a restraint order under section 42(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has been made.
  • (2) The judge presiding at the proceedings for the offence may be supplied from the records of the Crown Court with documents relating to restraint proceedings and any receivership proceedings.
  • (3) Such documents must not otherwise be disclosed in the proceedings for the offence.

Preparation of documents

61.15
  • (1) Every order in restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings must be drawn up by the Crown Court unless—
  • (a) the Crown Court orders a party to draw it up;
  • (b) a party, with the permission of the Crown Court, agrees to draw it up; or
  • (c) the order is made by consent under rule 61.10.
  • (2) The Crown Court may direct that—
  • (a) an order drawn up by a party must be checked by the Crown Court before it is sealed; or
  • (b) before an order is drawn up by the Crown Court, the parties must lodge an agreed statement of its terms.
  • (3) Where an order is to be drawn up by a party—
  • (a) he must lodge it with the Crown Court no later than seven days after the date on which the court ordered or permitted him to draw it up so that it can be sealed by the Crown Court; and
  • (b) if he fails to lodge it within that period, any other party may draw it up and lodge it.
  • (4) Nothing in this rule shall require the Crown Court to accept a document which is illegible, has not been duly authorised, or is unsatisfactory for some other similar reason.

Change of solicitor

61.16
  • (1) This rule applies where—
  • (a) a party for whom a solicitor is acting in restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings wants to change his solicitor;
  • (b) a party, after having represented himself in such proceedings, appoints a solicitor to act on his behalf (except where the solicitor is appointed only to act as an advocate for a hearing); or
  • (c) a party, after having been represented by a solicitor in such proceedings, intends to act in person.
  • (2) Where this rule applies, the party or his solicitor (where one is acting) must—
  • (a) lodge notice of the change at the Crown Court; and
  • (b) serve notice of the change on every other party and, where paragraph (1)(a) or (c) applies, on the former solicitor.
  • (3) The notice lodged at the Crown Court must state that notice has been served as required by paragraph (2)(b).

Application by solicitor for declaration that solicitor has ceased to act

61.17
  • (1) A solicitor may apply to the Crown Court for an order declaring that he has ceased to be the solicitor acting for a party to restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings.
  • (2) Where an application is made under this rule—
  • (a) notice of the application must be given to the party for whom the solicitor is acting, unless the Crown Court directs otherwise; and
  • (b) the application must be supported by evidence.
  • (3) Where the Crown Court makes an order that a solicitor has ceased to act, the solicitor must serve a copy of the order on every party to the proceedings.

Application by other party for declaration that solicitor has ceased to act

61.18
  • (1) Where—
  • (a) a solicitor who has acted for a party to restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings—
  • (i) has died,
  • (ii) has become bankrupt,
  • (iii) has ceased to practise, or
  • (iv) cannot be found, and
  • (b) the party has not given notice of a change of solicitor or notice of intention to act in person as required by rule 61.16,

any other party may apply to the Crown Court for an order declaring that the solicitor has ceased to be the solicitor acting for the other party in the proceedings.

  • (2) Where an application is made under this rule, notice of the application must be given to the party to whose solicitor the application relates unless the Crown Court directs otherwise.
  • (3) Where the Crown Court makes an order under this rule, the applicant must serve a copy of the order on every other party to the proceedings.

Order for costs

61.19
  • (1) This rule applies where the Crown Court is deciding whether to make an order for costs in restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings.
  • (2) The court has discretion as to—
  • (a) whether costs are payable by one party to another;
  • (b) the amount of those costs; and
  • (c) when they are to be paid.
  • (3) If the court decides to make an order about costs—
  • (a) the general rule is that the unsuccessful party must be ordered to pay the costs of the successful party; but
  • (b) the court may make a different order.
  • (4) In deciding what order (if any) to make about costs, the court must have regard to all of the circumstances, including—
  • (a) the conduct of all the parties; and
  • (b) whether a party has succeeded on part of an application, even if he has not been wholly successful.
  • (5) The orders which the court may make include an order that a party must pay—
  • (a) a proportion of another party’s costs;
  • (b) a stated amount in respect of another party’s costs;
  • (c) costs from or until a certain date only;
  • (d) costs incurred before proceedings have begun;
  • (e) costs relating to particular steps taken in the proceedings;
  • (f) costs relating only to a distinct part of the proceedings; and
  • (g) interest on costs from or until a certain date, including a date before the making of an order.
  • (6) Where the court would otherwise consider making an order under paragraph (5)(f), it must instead, if practicable, make an order under paragraph (5)(a) or (c).
  • (7) Where the court has ordered a party to pay costs, it may order an amount to be paid on account before the costs are assessed.

[Note. See section 52 of the Senior Courts Act 1981[^f00659].]

Assessment of costs

61.20
  • (1) Where the Crown Court has made an order for costs in restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings it may either—
  • (a) make an assessment of the costs itself; or
  • (b) order assessment of the costs under rule 76.11.
  • (2) In either case, the Crown Court or the assessing authority, as the case may be, must—
  • (a) only allow costs which are proportionate to the matters in issue; and
  • (b) resolve any doubt which it may have as to whether the costs were reasonably incurred or reasonable and proportionate in favour of the paying party.
  • (3) The Crown Court or the assessing authority, as the case may be, is to have regard to all the circumstances in deciding whether costs were proportionately or reasonably incurred or proportionate and reasonable in amount.
  • (4) In particular, the Crown Court or the assessing authority must give effect to any orders which have already been made.
  • (5) The Crown Court or the assessing authority must also have regard to—
  • (a) the conduct of all the parties, including in particular, conduct before, as well as during, the proceedings;
  • (b) the amount or value of the property involved;
  • (c) the importance of the matter to all the parties;
  • (d) the particular complexity of the matter or the difficulty or novelty of the questions raised;
  • (e) the skill, effort, specialised knowledge and responsibility involved;
  • (f) the time spent on the application; and
  • (g) the place where and the circumstances in which work or any part of it was done.

Time for complying with an order for costs

61.21

A party to restraint proceedings or receivership proceedings must comply with an order for the payment of costs within 14 days of—

  • (a) the date of the order if it states the amount of those costs;
  • (b) if the amount of those costs is decided later under rule 76.11, the date of the assessing authority’s decision; or
  • (c) in either case, such later date as the Crown Court may specify.

Application of costs rules

61.22

Rules 61.19, 61.20 and 61.21 do not apply to the assessment of costs in proceedings to the extent that section 11 of the Access to Justice Act 1999 applies and provisions made under that Act make different provision.

PART 62 — CONTEMPT OF COURT

Contents of this Part
Section 1: general rules
When this Part applies rule 62.1
Exercise of court’s power to deal with contempt of court rule 62.2
Notice of suspension of imprisonment by Court of Appeal or Crown Court rule 62.3
Application to discharge an order for imprisonment rule 62.4
Section 2: contempt of court by obstruction, disruption, etc.
Initial procedure on obstruction, disruption, etc. rule 62.5
Review after temporary detention rule 62.6
Postponement of enquiry rule 62.7
Procedure on enquiry rule 62.8
Section 3: contempt of court by failure to comply with court order, etc.
Initial procedure on failure to comply with court order, etc. rule 62.9
Procedure on hearing rule 62.10
Introduction of written witness statement or other hearsay rule 62.11
Content of written witness statement rule 62.12
Content of notice of other hearsay rule 62.13
Cross-examination of maker of written witness statement or other hearsay rule 62.14
Credibility and consistency of maker of written witness statement or other hearsay rule 62.15
Magistrates’ courts’ powers to adjourn, etc. rule 62.16
Court’s power to vary requirements under Section 3 rule 62.17

SECTION 1: GENERAL RULES

When this Part applies

62.1
  • (1) This Part applies where the court can deal with a person for conduct—
  • (a) in contempt of court; or
  • (b) in contravention of the legislation to which rules 62.5 and 62.9 refer.
  • (2) In this Part, ‘respondent’ means any such person.

[Note. For the court’s powers to punish for contempt of court, see the notes to rules 62.5 and 62.9.]

Exercise of court’s power to deal with contempt of court

62.2
  • (1) The court must determine at a hearing—
  • (a) an enquiry under rule 62.8;
  • (b) an allegation under rule 62.9.
  • (2) The court must not proceed in the respondent’s absence unless—
  • (a) the respondent’s behaviour makes it impracticable to proceed otherwise; or
  • (b) the respondent has had at least 14 days’ notice of the hearing, or was present when it was arranged.
  • (3) If the court hears part of an enquiry or allegation in private, it must announce at a hearing in public—
  • (a) the respondent’s name;
  • (b) in general terms, the nature of any conduct that the respondent admits, or the court finds proved; and
  • (c) any punishment imposed.

Notice of suspension of imprisonment by Court of Appeal or Crown Court

62.3
  • (1) This rule applies where—
  • (a) the Court of Appeal or the Crown Court suspends an order of imprisonment for contempt of court; and
  • (b) the respondent is absent when the court does so.
  • (2) The respondent must be served with notice of the terms of the court’s order—
  • (a) by any applicant under rule 62.9; or
  • (b) by the court officer, in any other case.

[Note. By reason of sections 15 and 45 of the Senior Courts Act 1981[^f00660], the Court of Appeal and the Crown Court each has an inherent power to suspend imprisonment for contempt of court, on conditions, or for a period, or both.]

Application to discharge an order for imprisonment

62.4
  • (1) This rule applies where the court can discharge an order for a respondent’s imprisonment for contempt of court.
  • (2) A respondent who wants the court to discharge such an order must—
  • (a) apply in writing, unless the court otherwise directs, and serve any written application on—
  • (i) the court officer, and
  • (ii) any applicant under rule 62.9 on whose application the respondent was imprisoned;
  • (b) in the application—
  • (i) explain why it is appropriate for the order for imprisonment to be discharged, and
  • (ii) give details of any appeal, and its outcome; and
  • (c) ask for a hearing, if the respondent wants one.

[Note. By reason of sections 15 and 45 of the Senior Courts Act 1981, the Court of Appeal and the Crown Court each has an inherent power to discharge an order for a respondent’s imprisonment for contempt of court in failing to comply with a court order.

SECTION 2: CONTEMPT OF COURT BY OBSTRUCTION, DISRUPTION, ETC.

Initial procedure on obstruction, disruption, etc.

62.5
  • (1) This rule applies where the court observes, or someone reports to the court—
  • (a) in the Court of Appeal or the Crown Court, obstructive, disruptive, insulting or intimidating conduct, in the courtroom or in its vicinity, or otherwise immediately affecting the proceedings;
  • (b) in the Crown Court, a contravention of—
  • (i) section 3 of the Criminal Procedure (Attendance of Witnesses) Act 1965[^f00663] (disobeying a witness summons);
  • (ii) section 20 of the Juries Act 1974[^f00664] (disobeying a jury summons);
  • (iii) section 8 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981[^f00665] (obtaining details of a jury’s deliberations, etc.);
  • (c) in a magistrates’ court, a contravention of—
  • (i) section 97(4) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (refusing to give evidence), or
  • (ii) section 12 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981[^f00666] (insulting or interrupting the court, etc.);
  • (d) a contravention of section 9 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981[^f00667] (without the court’s permission, recording the proceedings, etc.);
  • (e) any other conduct with which the court can deal as, or as if it were, a criminal contempt of court, except failure to surrender to bail under section 6 of the Bail Act 1976[^f00668].
  • (2) Unless the respondent’s behaviour makes it impracticable to do so, the court must—
  • (a) explain, in terms the respondent can understand (with help, if necessary)—
  • (i) the conduct that is in question,
  • (ii) that the court can impose imprisonment, or a fine, or both, for such conduct,
  • (iii) (where relevant) that the court has power to order the respondent’s immediate temporary detention, if in the court’s opinion that is required,
  • (iv) that the respondent may explain the conduct,
  • (v) that the respondent may apologise, if he or she so wishes, and that this may persuade the court to take no further action, and
  • (vi) that the respondent may take legal advice; and
  • (b) allow the respondent a reasonable opportunity to reflect, take advice, explain and, if he or she so wishes, apologise.
  • (3) The court may then—
  • (a) take no further action in respect of that conduct;
  • (b) enquire into the conduct there and then; or
  • (c) postpone that enquiry (if a magistrates’ court, only until later the same day).

[Note. By reason of sections 15 and 45 of the Senior Courts Act 1981, the Court of Appeal and the Crown Court each has an inherent powerto imprison (for a maximum of 2 years), or fine (to an unlimited amount), or both, a respondent for contempt of court for the conduct listed in paragraph (1)(a), (b), (d) or (e). See also section 14 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981[^f00669].

Review after temporary detention

62.6
  • (1) This rule applies in a case in which the court has ordered the respondent’s immediate temporary detention for conduct to which rule 62.5 applies.
  • (2) The court must review the case—
  • (a) if a magistrates’ court, later the same day;
  • (b) if the Court of Appeal or the Crown Court, no later than the next business day.
  • (3) On the review, the court must—
  • (a) unless the respondent is absent, repeat the explanations required by rule 62.5(2)(a); and
  • (b) allow the respondent a reasonable opportunity to reflect, take advice, explain and, if he or she so wishes, apologise.
  • (4) The court may then—
  • (a) take no further action in respect of the conduct;
  • (b) if a magistrates’ court, enquire into the conduct there and then; or
  • (c) if the Court of Appeal or the Crown Court—
  • (i) enquire into the conduct there and then, or
  • (ii) postpone the enquiry, and order the respondent’s release from such detention in the meantime.

Postponement of enquiry

62.7
  • (1) This rule applies where the Court of Appeal or the Crown Court postpones the enquiry.
  • (2) The court must arrange for the preparation of a written statement containing such particulars of the conduct in question as to make clear what the respondent appears to have done.
  • (3) The court officer must serve on the respondent—
  • (a) that written statement;
  • (b) notice of where and when the postponed enquiry will take place; and
  • (c) a notice that—
  • (i) reminds the respondent that the court can impose imprisonment, or a fine, or both, for contempt of court, and
  • (ii) warns the respondent that the court may pursue the postponed enquiry in the respondent’s absence, if the respondent does not attend.

Procedure on enquiry

62.8
  • (1) At an enquiry, the court must—
  • (a) ensure that the respondent understands (with help, if necessary) what is alleged, if the enquiry has been postponed from a previous occasion;
  • (b) explain what the procedure at the enquiry will be; and
  • (c) ask whether the respondent admits the conduct in question.
  • (2) If the respondent admits the conduct, the court need not receive evidence.
  • (3) If the respondent does not admit the conduct, the court must consider—
  • (a) any statement served under rule 62.7;
  • (b) any other evidence of the conduct;
  • (c) any evidence introduced by the respondent; and
  • (d) any representations by the respondent about the conduct.
  • (4) If the respondent admits the conduct, or the court finds it proved, the court must—
  • (a) before imposing any punishment for contempt of court, give the respondent an opportunity to make representations relevant to punishment;
  • (b) explain, in terms the respondent can understand (with help, if necessary)—
  • (i) the reasons for its decision, including its findings of fact, and
  • (ii) the punishment it imposes, and its effect; and
  • (c) if a magistrates’ court, arrange for the preparation of a written record of those findings.
  • (5) The court that conducts an enquiry—
  • (a) need not include the same member or members as the court that observed the conduct; but
  • (b) may do so, unless that would be unfair to the respondent.

SECTION 3: CONTEMPT OF COURT BY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH COURT ORDER, ETC.

Initial procedure on failure to comply with court order, etc.

62.9
  • (1) This rule applies where—
  • (a) a party, or other person directly affected, alleges—
  • (i) in the Crown Court, a failure to comply with an order to which rule 6.13 or 6.22 (certain investigation orders), or 59.6 (restraint order or ancillary order), applies,
  • (ii) in the Court of Appeal or the Crown Court, any other conduct with which that court can deal as a civil contempt of court, or
  • (iii) in the Crown Court or a magistrates’ court, unauthorised use of disclosed prosecution material under section 17 of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996[^f00676];
  • (b) the court deals on its own initiative with conduct to which paragraph (1)(a) applies.
  • (2) Such a party or person must—
  • (a) apply in writing and serve the application on the court officer; and
  • (b) serve on the respondent—
  • (i) the application, and
  • (ii) notice of where and when the court will consider the allegation (not less than 14 days after service).
  • (3) The application must—
  • (a) identify the respondent;
  • (b) explain that it is an application for the respondent to be dealt with for contempt of court;
  • (c) contain such particulars of the conduct in question as to make clear what is alleged against the respondent; and
  • (d) include a notice warning the respondent that the court—
  • (i) can impose imprisonment, or a fine, or both, for contempt of court, and
  • (ii) may deal with the application in the respondent’s absence, if the respondent does not attend the hearing.
  • (4) A court which acts on its own initiative under paragraph (1)(b) must—
  • (a) arrange for the preparation of a written statement containing the same information as an application; and
  • (b) arrange for the service on the respondent of—
  • (i) that written statement, and
  • (ii) notice of where and when the court will consider the allegation (not less than 14 days after service).

[Note. By reason of section 45 of the Senior Courts Act 1981[^f00677], the Crown Court has an inherent power to imprison (for a maximum of 2 years), or fine (to an unlimited amount), or both, a respondent for conduct in contempt of court by failing to comply with a court order or an undertaking given to the court.

Procedure on hearing

62.10
  • (1) At the hearing of an allegation under rule 62.9, the court must—
  • (a) ensure that the respondent understands (with help, if necessary) what is alleged;
  • (b) explain what the procedure at the hearing will be; and
  • (c) ask whether the respondent admits the conduct in question.
  • (2) If the respondent admits the conduct, the court need not receive evidence.
  • (3) If the respondent does not admit the conduct, the court must consider—
  • (a) the application or written statement served under rule 62.9;
  • (b) any other evidence of the conduct;
  • (c) any evidence introduced by the respondent; and
  • (d) any representations by the respondent about the conduct.
  • (4) If the respondent admits the conduct, or the court finds it proved, the court must—
  • (a) before imposing any punishment for contempt of court, give the respondent an opportunity to make representations relevant to punishment;
  • (b) explain, in terms the respondent can understand (with help, if necessary)—
  • (i) the reasons for its decision, including its findings of fact, and
  • (ii) the punishment it imposes, and its effect; and
  • (c) in a magistrates’ court, arrange for the preparation of a written record of those findings.

Introduction of written witness statement or other hearsay

62.11
  • (1) Where rule 62.9 applies, an applicant or respondent who wants to introduce in evidence the written statement of a witness, or other hearsay, must—
  • (a) serve a copy of the statement, or notice of other hearsay, on—
  • (i) the court officer, and
  • (ii) the other party; and
  • (b) serve the copy or notice—
  • (i) when serving the application under rule 62.9, in the case of an applicant, or
  • (ii) not more than 7 days after service of that application or of the court’s written statement, in the case of the respondent.
  • (2) Such service is notice of that party’s intention to introduce in evidence that written witness statement, or other hearsay, unless that party otherwise indicates when serving it.
  • (3) A party entitled to receive such notice may waive that entitlement.

[Note. On an application under rule 62.9, hearsay evidence is admissible under the Civil Evidence Act 1995. Section 1(2) of the 1995 Act[^f00679]defines hearsay as meaning ‘a statement made otherwise than by a person while giving oral evidence in the proceedings which is tendered as evidence of the matters stated’. Section 13 of the Act[^f00680]defines a statement as meaning ‘any representation of fact or opinion, however made’.

Content of written witness statement

62.12
  • (1) This rule applies to a written witness statement served under rule 62.11.
  • (2) Such a written witness statement must contain a declaration by the person making it that it is true to the best of that person’s knowledge and belief.

[Note. By reason of sections 15 and 45 of the Senior Courts Act 1981[^f00682], the Court of Appeal and the Crown Court each has an inherent power to imprison (for a maximum of 2 years), or fine (to an unlimited amount), or both, for contempt of court a person who, in a written witness statement to which this rule applies, makes, or causes to be made, a false statement without an honest belief in its truth. See also section 14 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981[^f00683].]

Content of notice of other hearsay

62.13
  • (1) This rule applies to a notice of hearsay, other than a written witness statement, served under rule 62.11.
  • (2) Such a notice must—
  • (a) set out the evidence, or attach the document that contains it; and
  • (b) identify the person who made the statement that is hearsay.

Cross-examination of maker of written witness statement or other hearsay

62.14
  • (1) This rule applies where a party wants the court’s permission to cross-examine a person who made a statement which another party wants to introduce as hearsay.
  • (2) The party who wants to cross-examine that person must—
  • (a) apply in writing, with reasons; and
  • (b) serve the application on—
  • (i) the court officer, and
  • (ii) the party who served the hearsay.
  • (3) A respondent who wants to cross-examine such a person must apply to do so not more than 7days after service of the hearsay by the applicant.
  • (4) An applicant who wants to cross-examine such a person must apply to do so not more than 3days after service of the hearsay by the respondent.
  • (5) The court—
  • (a) may decide an application under this rule without a hearing; but
  • (b) must not dismiss such an application unless the person making it has had an opportunity to make representations at a hearing.

[Note. See also section 3 of the Civil Evidence Act 1995[^f00684].]

Credibility and consistency of maker of written witness statement or other hearsay

62.15
  • (1) This rule applies where a party wants to challenge the credibility or consistency of a person who made a statement which another party wants to introduce as hearsay.
  • (2) The party who wants to challenge the credibility or consistency of that person must—
  • (a) serve a written notice of intention to do so on—
  • (i) the court officer, and
  • (ii) the party who served the hearsay; and
  • (b) in it, identify any statement or other material on which that party relies.
  • (3) A respondent who wants to challenge such a person’s credibility or consistency must serve such a notice not more than 7 days after service of the hearsay by the applicant.
  • (4) An applicant who wants to challenge such a person’s credibility or consistency must serve such a notice not more than 3 days after service of the hearsay by the respondent.
  • (5) The party who served the hearsay—
  • (a) may call that person to give oral evidence instead; and
  • (b) if so, must serve a notice of intention to do so on—
  • (i) the court officer, and
  • (ii) the other party

as soon as practicable after service of the notice under paragraph (2).

[Note. Section 5(2) of the Civil Evidence Act 1995[^f00685]describes the procedure for challenging the credibility of the maker of a statement of which hearsay evidence is introduced. See also section 6 of that Act[^f00686].

Magistrates’ courts’ powers to adjourn, etc.

62.16
  • (1) This rule applies where a magistrates’ court deals with unauthorised disclosure of prosecution material under sections 17 and 18 of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996[^f00688].
  • (2) The sections of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 listed in paragraph (3) apply as if in those sections—
  • (a) ‘complaint’ and ‘summons’ each referred to an application or written statement under rule 62.9;
  • (b) ‘complainant’ meant an applicant; and
  • (c) ‘defendant’ meant the respondent.
  • (3) Those sections are—
  • (a) section 51[^f00689] (issue of summons on complaint);
  • (b) section 54[^f00690] (adjournment);
  • (c) section 55[^f00691] (non-appearance of defendant);
  • (d) section 97(1)[^f00692] (summons to witness);
  • (e) section 121(1)[^f00693] (constitution and place of sitting of court);
  • (f) section 123[^f00694] (defect in process).
  • (4) Section 127 of the 1980 Act[^f00695] (limitation of time) does not apply.

[Note. Under section 19(3) of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996[^f00696], Criminal Procedure Rules may contain provisions equivalent to those contained in Schedule 3 to the Contempt of Court Act 1981[^f00697](which allows magistrates’ courts in cases of contempt of court to use certain powers such courts possess in other cases).]

Court’s power to vary requirements under Section 3

62.17
  • (1) The court may shorten or extend (even after it has expired) a time limit under rule 62.11, 62.14 or 62.15.
  • (2) A person who wants an extension of time must—
  • (a) apply when serving the statement, notice or application for which it is needed; and
  • (b) explain the delay.

PART 63 — APPEAL TO THE CROWN COURT

Contents of this Part
When this Part applies rule 63.1
Service of appeal notice rule 63.2
Form of appeal notice rule 63.3
Duty of magistrates’ court officer rule 63.4
Duty of person keeping exhibit rule 63.5
Reference by the Criminal Cases Review Commission rule 63.6
Hearings and decisions rule 63.7
Abandoning an appeal rule 63.8
Court’s power to vary requirements under this Part rule 63.9
Constitution of the Crown Court rule 63.10

When this Part applies

63.1
  • (1) This Part applies where—
  • (a) a defendant wants to appeal under—
  • (i) section 108 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980[^f00698],
  • (ii) section 45 of the Mental Health Act 1983[^f00699],
  • (iii) paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 to the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000[^f00700], or paragraphs 9(8) or 13(5) of Schedule 8 to the Criminal Justice Act 2003[^f00701],
  • (iv) section 10 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006[^f00702],
  • (v) section 42 of the Counter Terrorism Act 2008[^f00703];
  • (b) the Criminal Cases Review Commission refers a defendant’s case to the Crown Court under section 11 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995[^f00704];
  • (c) a prosecutor wants to appeal under—
  • (i) section 14A(5A) of the Football Spectators Act 1989[^f00705], or
  • (ii) section 147(3) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979[^f00706]; or
  • (d) a person wants to appeal under—
  • (i) section 1 of the Magistrates’ Courts (Appeals from Binding Over Orders) Act 1956[^f00707],
  • (ii) section 12(5) of the Contempt of Court Act 1981[^f00708],
  • (iii) regulation 3C or 3H of The Costs in Criminal Cases (General) Regulations 1986[^f00709],
  • (iv) section 22 of the Football Spectators Act 1989[^f00710], or
  • (v) section 10(4) or (5) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998[^f00711].
  • (2) A reference to an ‘appellant’ in this Part is a reference to such a party or person.

[Note. An appeal to the Crown Court is by way of re-hearing: see section 79(3) of the Senior Courts Act 1981[^f00712]. For the powers of the Crown Court on an appeal, see section 48 of that Act.

Service of appeal notice

63.2
  • (1) An appellant must serve an appeal notice on—
  • (a) the magistrates’ court officer; and
  • (b) every other party.
  • (2) The appellant must serve the appeal notice—
  • (a) as soon after the decision appealed against as the appellant wants; but
  • (b) not more than 21 days after—
  • (i) sentence or the date sentence is deferred, whichever is earlier, if the appeal is against conviction or against a finding of guilt,
  • (ii) sentence, if the appeal is against sentence, or
  • (iii) the order or failure to make an order about which the appellant wants to appeal, in any other case.
  • (3) The appellant must serve with the appeal notice any application for the following, with reasons—
  • (a) an extension of the time limit under this rule, if the appeal notice is late;
  • (b) bail pending appeal, if the appellant is in custody;
  • (c) the suspension of any disqualification imposed in the case, where the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court can order such a suspension pending appeal.
  • (4) Where both the magistrates’ court and the Crown Court can suspend a disqualification pending appeal, an application for its suspension must indicate by which court the appellant wants the application determined.

[Note. Under section 1(1) of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000[^f00714], a magistrates’ court may defer passing sentence for up to 6 months.

Form of appeal notice

63.3

The appeal notice must be in writing and must—

  • (a) specify—
  • (i) the conviction or finding of guilt,
  • (ii) the sentence, or
  • (iii) the order, or the failure to make an order

about which the appellant wants to appeal;

  • (b) summarise the issues;
  • (c) in an appeal against conviction—
  • (i) identify the prosecution witnesses whom the appellant will want to question if they are called to give oral evidence, and
  • (ii) say how long the trial lasted in the magistrates’ court and how long the appeal is likely to last in the Crown Court;
  • (d) in an appeal against a finding that the appellant insulted someone or interrupted proceedings in the magistrates’ court, attach—
  • (i) the magistrates’ court’s written findings of fact, and
  • (ii) the appellant’s response to those findings;
  • (e) say whether the appellant has asked the magistrates’ court to reconsider the case; and
  • (f) include a list of those on whom the appellant has served the appeal notice.

[Note. The Practice Direction sets out a form of appeal notice for use in connection with this rule.

Duty of magistrates’ court officer

63.4

The magistrates’ court officer must—

  • (a) as soon as practicable serve on the Crown Court officer—
  • (i) the appeal notice and any accompanying application served by the appellant,
  • (ii) details of the parties including their addresses,
  • (iii) a copy of each magistrates’ court register entry relating to the decision under appeal and to any application for bail pending appeal, and
  • (iv) any report received for the purposes of sentencing;
  • (b) keep any document or object exhibited in the proceedings in the magistrates’ court, or arrange for it to be kept by some other appropriate person, until—
  • (i) 6 weeks after the conclusion of those proceedings, or
  • (ii) the conclusion of any proceedings in the Crown Court that begin within that 6weeks;
  • (c) provide the Crown Court with any document, object or information for which the Crown Court officer asks, within such period as the Crown Court officer may require; and
  • (d) arrange for the magistrates’ court to hear as soon as practicable any application to that court under rule 63.2(3) (suspension of disqualification pending appeal).

Duty of person keeping exhibit

63.5

A person who, under arrangements made by the magistrates’ court officer, keeps a document or object exhibited in the proceedings in the magistrates’ court must—

  • (a) keep that exhibit until—
  • (i) 6 weeks after the conclusion of those proceedings, or
  • (ii) the conclusion of any proceedings in the Crown Court that begin within that 6weeks,

unless the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court otherwise directs; and

  • (b) provide the Crown Court with any such document or object for which the Crown Court officer asks, within such period as the Crown Court officer may require.

Reference by the Criminal Cases Review Commission

63.6
  • (1) The Crown Court officer must, as soon as practicable, serve a reference by the Criminal Cases Review Commission on—
  • (a) the appellant;
  • (b) every other party; and
  • (c) the magistrates’ court officer.
  • (2) The appellant may serve an appeal notice on—
  • (a) the Crown Court officer; and
  • (b) every other party,

not more than 21 days later.

  • (3) The Crown Court must treat the reference as the appeal notice if the appellant does not serve an appeal notice.

Hearings and decisions

63.7
  • (1) The Crown Court as a general rule must hear in public an appeal or reference to which this Part applies, but—
  • (a) may order any hearing to be in private; and
  • (b) where a hearing is about a public interest ruling, must hold that hearing in private.
  • (2) The Crown Court officer must give as much notice as reasonably practicable of every hearing to—
  • (a) the parties;
  • (b) any party’s custodian; and
  • (c) any other person whom the Crown Court requires to be notified.
  • (3) The Crown Court officer must serve every decision on—
  • (a) the parties;
  • (b) any other person whom the Crown Court requires to be served; and
  • (c) the magistrates’ court officer and any party’s custodian, where the decision determines an appeal.
  • (4) But where a hearing or decision is about a public interest ruling, the Crown Court officer must not—
  • (a) give notice of that hearing to; or
  • (b) serve that decision on,

anyone other than the prosecutor who applied for that ruling, unless the court otherwise directs.

[Note. See also Part 22 (Disclosure).]

Abandoning an appeal

63.8
  • (1) The appellant—
  • (a) may abandon an appeal without the Crown Court’s permission, by serving a notice of abandonment on—
  • (i) the magistrates’ court officer,
  • (ii) the Crown Court officer, and
  • (iii) every other party

before the hearing of the appeal begins; but

  • (b) after the hearing of the appeal begins, may only abandon the appeal with the Crown Court’s permission.
  • (2) A notice of abandonment must be signed by or on behalf of the appellant.
  • (3) Where an appellant who is on bail pending appeal abandons an appeal—
  • (a) the appellant must surrender to custody as directed by the magistrates’ court officer; and
  • (b) any conditions of bail apply until then.

[Note. The Practice Direction sets out a form of notice of abandonment for use in connection with this rule.

Court’s power to vary requirements under this Part

63.9

The Crown Court may—

  • (a) shorten or extend (even after it has expired) a time limit under this Part;
  • (b) allow an appellant to vary an appeal notice that that appellant has served;
  • (c) direct that an appeal notice be served on any person;
  • (d) allow an appeal notice or a notice of abandonment to be in a different form to one set out in the Practice Direction, or to be presented orally.

Constitution of the Crown Court

63.10

On the hearing of an appeal—

  • (a) the general rule is that the Crown Court must comprise—
  • (i) a judge of the High Court, a Circuit judge, a Recorder or a qualifying judge advocate, and
  • (ii) no less than two and no more than four justices of the peace, none of whom took part in the decision under appeal; and
  • (b) if the appeal is from a youth court—
  • (i) each justice of the peace must be qualified to sit as a member of a youth court, and
  • (ii) the Crown Court must include a man and a woman; but
  • (c) the Crown Court may include only one justice of the peace and need not include both a man and a woman if—
  • (i) the presiding judge decides that otherwise the start of the appeal hearing will be delayed unreasonably, or
  • (ii) one or more of the justices of the peace who started hearing the appeal is absent.

[Note. See sections 73 and 74 of the Senior Courts Act 1981[^f00720], section 45 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933[^f00721]and section 9 of the Courts Act 2003[^f00722]. Under section 8(1A) of the Senior Courts Act 1981[^f00723], a qualifying judge advocate may not exercise the jurisdiction of the Crown Court on an appeal from a youth court.]

PART 64 — APPEAL TO THE HIGH COURT BY CASE STATED

Contents of this Part
When this Part applies rule 64.1
Application to state a case rule 64.2
Preparation of case stated rule 64.3
Duty of justices’ legal adviser rule 64.4
Court’s power to vary requirements under this Part rule 64.5

When this Part applies

64.1

This Part applies where a person wants to appeal to the High Court by case stated—

  • (a) under section 111 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980[^f00724], against a decision of a magistrates’ court; or
  • (b) under section 28 of the Senior Courts Act 1981[^f00725], against a decision of the Crown Court.

[Note. Under section 111 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, ‘any person who was a party to any proceeding before a magistrates’ court or is aggrieved by the conviction, order, determination or other proceeding of the court may question the proceeding on the ground that it is wrong in law or is in excess of jurisdiction by applying to the justices composing the court to state a case for the opinion of the High Court on the question of law or jurisdiction involved’.

Application to state a case

64.2
  • (1) A party who wants the court to state a case for the opinion of the High Court must—
  • (a) apply in writing, not more than 21 days after the decision against which the applicant wants to appeal; and
  • (b) serve the application on—
  • (i) the court officer, and
  • (ii) each other party.
  • (2) The application must—
  • (a) specify the decision in issue;
  • (b) specify the proposed question or questions of law or jurisdiction on which the opinion of the High Court will be asked;
  • (c) indicate the proposed grounds of appeal; and
  • (d) include or attach any application for the following, with reasons—
  • (i) if the application is to the Crown Court, an extension of time within which to apply to state a case,
  • (ii) bail pending appeal,
  • (iii) the suspension of any disqualification imposed in the case, where the court can order such a suspension pending appeal.
  • (3) A party who wants to make representations about the application must—
  • (a) serve the representations on—
  • (i) the court officer, and
  • (ii) each other party; and
  • (b) do so not more than 14 days after service of the application.
  • (4) The court may determine the application without a hearing.
  • (5) If the court decides not to state a case, the court officer must serve on each party—
  • (a) notice of that decision; and
  • (b) the court’s written reasons for that decision, if not more than 21 days later the applicant asks for those reasons.

[Note. The time limit for applying to a magistrates’ court to state a case is prescribed by section 111(2) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980. It may be neither extended nor shortened.

Preparation of case stated

64.3
  • (1) This rule applies where the court decides to state a case for the opinion of the High Court.
  • (2) The court officer must serve on each party notice of—
  • (a) the decision to state a case, and
  • (b) any recognizance ordered by the court.
  • (3) Unless the court otherwise directs, not more than 21 days after the court’s decision to state a case—
  • (a) in a magistrates court, the court officer must serve a draft case on each party;
  • (b) in the Crown Court, the applicant must serve a draft case on the court officer and each other party.
  • (4) The draft case must—
  • (a) specify the decision in issue;
  • (b) specify the question(s) of law or jurisdiction on which the opinion of the High Court will be asked;
  • (c) include a succinct summary of—
  • (i) the nature and history of the proceedings,
  • (ii) the court’s relevant findings of fact, and
  • (iii) the relevant contentions of the parties;
  • (d) if a question is whether there was sufficient evidence on which the court reasonably could reach a finding of fact—
  • (i) specify that finding, and
  • (ii) include a summary of the evidence on which the court reached that finding.
  • (5) Except to the extent that paragraph (4)(d) requires, the draft case must not include an account of the evidence received by the court.
  • (6) A party who wants to make representations about the content of the draft case, or to propose a revised draft, must—
  • (a) serve the representations, or revised draft, on—
  • (i) the court officer, and
  • (ii) each other party; and
  • (b) do so not more than 21 days after service of the draft case.
  • (7) The court must state the case not more than 21 days after the time for service of representations under paragraph (6) has expired.
  • (8) A case stated for the opinion of the High Court must—
  • (a) comply with paragraphs (4) and (5); and
  • (b) identify—
  • (i) the court that stated it, and
  • (ii) the court office for that court.
  • (9) The court officer must serve the case stated on each party.

[Note. Under section 114 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980[^f00728], a magistrates’ court need not state a case until the person who applied for it has entered into a recognizance to appeal promptly to the High Court. The Crown Court has a corresponding inherent power.

64.4
  • (1) This rule applies—
  • (a) only in a magistrates’ court; and
  • (b) unless the court—
  • (i) includes a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts), and
  • (ii) otherwise directs.
  • (2) A justices’ legal adviser must—
  • (a) give the court legal advice; and
  • (b) if the court so requires, assist it by—
  • (i) preparing and amending the draft case, and
  • (ii) completing the case stated.

Court’s power to vary requirements under this Part

64.5
  • (1) The court may shorten or extend (even after it has expired) a time limit under this Part.
  • (2) A person who wants an extension of time must—
  • (a) apply when serving the application, representations or draft case for which it is needed; and
  • (b) explain the delay.

[Note. See also rule 64.2(2)(d)(i) and the note to rule 64.2.]

PART 65 — APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL: GENERAL RULES

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