What is a Court Report?

It is an impartial report requested by the Court which gives information about you and your offence(s). It is prepared according to National Standards set by the Youth Justice Board.

Why does the Court need a report?

The court has to decide on the most appropriate sentence for the offence you have committed. This is based on:

• the seriousness of your offence
• your suitability for a particular sentence

Some community sentences cannot be made unless a report has been prepared.

Who writes the report?

A Youth Offending Team Officer from your area.

What meetings are needed?

The officer, who will interview you (probably on more than one occasion) will need to ask you relevant questions. This would normally involve discussions with your parents or carers at home. If you are in custody, the officer will visit you. If you are on bail, it is most important that you keep appointments to allow the officer the maximum time to prepare your report. The extent to which you co-operate will affect how positive the report is.

Who else is contacted?

The Youth Offending Team Officer may also want to talk with other people who know you such as teachers, social worker, youth worker, family doctor or with others who provide specialist services that could be helpful to you. The victim of your crime will also be contacted.

What does the report contain?

• the details and circumstances of your offence(s)
• the seriousness of your offence (s)
• an assessment of the consequences of your offence(s) including the impact on the victim
• an assessment of your attitude to the offence(s) and the consequences
• the risk of further offending
• any personal circumstnces which may be relevant to the offence(s)
• the sustainability of a particular sentence

Who may see the report?

• yourself, your parents/carers
• your solicitor/barrister
• the judge or magistrates
• the court legal adviser
• the crown prosecution service
• the Youth Offending Team Officer at Court
• the prison,  if you are sent there
• your social worker, if you have one

Who comments on the report?

The report will be shown to you before you appear in Court. If you feel anything written about you is not true or fair, you should say so. An opportunity will then be given to you or your legal representative to give comments to the court. The report will not be read aloud in court, although your defence lawyer may refer to the contents. The court may also ask questions or comment on it.