How Can I Find Out When A Murder Trial Will Begin?

[Velvetee]

Someone known to the family was sadly murdered a couple of months ago. An arrest was made at the scene and the person charged. I would like to go to the trial and listen from the public gallery, is there a way to find out when the trial will begin and where? Thanks

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Just ring up the court and ask for the listing section and ask them if a date has been fixed yet. It will presumably be at the Crown Court nearest to where the offence took place.

[Maydup]

You could start look here to find the nearest Crown Court.

https://www.gov.uk/courts/crown-court

[EDDIE51]

It can take months or even well over a year for a murder case to come to trial. So if the crime was just a couple of months ago you probably have quite a wait yet. Then many murder trials are held many miles away from the 'scene of the crime' as it can be hard to get an unbiased jury if it is held local to the murder. Bakers Dozen may well be wrong.
Best bet is to ask the local newspaper for updates ,they will know when and where the trial is to be held.

[Velvetee]

Yes I expect it not to come to court before the end of the year, if not next. I don’t know what court but expect possibly The Old Bailey. I’ll have a look at hearings on the lawpages website.

[EDDIE51]

If it is at The Bailey make sure you get there early. Trials there are very popular and there often is not enough seating in the public gallery. I still say your best bet is to ask your local newspaper to keep you informed. They will know well in advance when the trial is scheduled and will let you know. I did this for a trial I was interested in,the paper emailed me as soon as they got the details.

[Barmaid]

If he/she is remanded in custody (quite usual for murder) then the normal custody time limit is 182 days from first appearance in the mags altho that can be extended.

[Velvetee]

Thanks. I managed to find out, the trial will start at the beginning of October. If I don’t manage to go to the trial, is there a way of obtaining transcripts of the trial?

[EDDIE51]

Apply here
https://www.gov.uk/apply-transcript-court-tribunal-hearing