Cost: from £205 + VAT

Speaker: Stephen Turner

This course will take attendees through the law, relevant Codes of practice, the basic procedures and practice points to ensure correct and successful prosecutions in the magistrates’ court. The day will be broken down into four interactive sessions, allowing all attendees to engage with the speaker and with each other, share experience, ask questions, and participate in discussion. The day will include practical sessions on witness statements, application of the Codes, drafting Informations and Summonses. Some pre reading and preparation will be required to benefit fully from the course.

The course will cover:

• Code of Practice for Prosecutors and other relevant Codes and Guidance
• Checking authorisations to prosecute and reviewing evidence
• The decision to prosecute and other disposals
• Identifying the Defendant and the correct offences
• Drafting Informations/Summonses
• Preparation for a hearing or trial
• Objecting, handling and dealing with defence applications
• Obligations of the defence advocate
• Duties to the Court

The course will equip you to carry out your duties in role and help you to:

• Feel confident with procedural issues
• Understand the paperwork and the importance of thorough preparation
• Tackle weak cases with the client
• Deal effectively and professionally with the defence
• Fulfil your responsibilities confidently and correctly
• See the case from beginning to end

This course is most suitable for those who are new to prosecution work within a local authority and/or within their first few years of practice. Delegates should already or intend to hold a right of audience in the magistrates’ court.

About the speaker:

Stephen Turner

Solicitor, Kingston upon Hull City Council

Stephen has been solely responsible for advice to the Council and its Officers on all aspects of licensing law and procedure since 2004. He advises the Committee and Officers in connection with all applications, reviews, prosecutions and appeals concerning licensing matters from taxis and private hire to sex shops, zoos and scrap metal dealers and is Legal Advisor to the Committee when in session. Stephen also deals with advocacy arising from decisions of the Committee by way of appeals or from the prosecution of offenders under all relevant legislation. Stephen is an experienced prosecutor for the regulatory departments of the Council dealing with all types of high end cases from counterfeiting to food safety and fraud.