Where a young person has committed an offence that is being dealt with by the courts, we will attend court, write reports and supervise bail where required.

Depending on a number of factors the offence may be dealt with by The Youth or Crown Court. In either case we will ensure that a member of the Youth Offending Team (YOT) staff attends court whenever the hearing involves a young person aged 10-17. During the proceedings the YOT Officer will provide support to the young person and their family/carers and act as an advocate between them and the Youth Court Magistrates.

Young people attending court have the right to legal representation and are given the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty to any charge(s) put to them. If they plead "guilty" the court will need to consider the sentencing options available to them. If the young person pleads "not guilty" then the case will be adjourned for a trial.

In either court, if the defendant pleads guilty or is subsequently found guilty the court is then required to impose a sentence upon them. Sentencing options are determined by legislation both courts aim to impose a sentence that is proportionate and relevant to the offence and which seeks to punish the individual whilst offering an opportunity for rehabilitation and always attempting to safeguard the public.

On some occasions the court will determine what sentence they feel is appropriate and impose it on the young person without delay. Often they will ask the YOT officer in court to meet briefly with the young person and their parents/carers outside of the courtroom to gather specific information for the magistrates to enable them to decide the appropriate sentence.

On other occasions they may adjourn the hearing for a number of weeks in order for the YOT to meet with the young person away from the court to compile a more comprehensive pre-sentence report.

Whether dealt with immediately or following an adjournment for a pre-sentence report to be prepared, the court will ultimately impose what they feel to be a relevant and proportionate sentence in respect of the offence(s) with which the young person has been charged.

We supervise most court ordered sentences that young people receive. Sentences can vary greatly in length, intensity and in the requirements that they impose on young people.

More information about sentencing is available on the Youth Justice Board - sentencing website