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DRAKES Ben

Case Reference: 62CL0052426

Case Details

Reference

62CL0052426

Court

Merthyr Tydfil

Magistrate

MR RECORDER S STEPHENSON** , HER HONOUR JUDGE VANESSA FRANCIS** , MR RECORDER SIMON STEPHENSON** , HER HONOUR JUDGE FRANCIS** , HIS HONOUR JUDGE J JENKINS** , MR RECORDER S STEPHENSON , HER HONOUR JUDGE VANESSA FRANCIS , MR RECORDER SIMON STEPHENSON , HER HONOUR JUDGE FRANCIS , HIS HONOUR JUDGE J JENKINS , HIS HONOUR JUDGE JEREMY JENKINS

Hearing Date

7 May 2026

Time

9:45 am

Hearing Type

Court Type

crown

Prosecutor

Erlynydd Eraill

Case Details

HMP - CVP, pre-con at 09:30am, re: Change of Plea (Trial 5/8/26)**

Next Steps at this First Hearing / First Appearance

At the first hearing (usually in the Magistrates' Court), the charges are formally read. The defendant is asked to enter a plea. If pleading guilty, sentencing can sometimes happen immediately or be adjourned. If pleading not guilty, the court will make directions to manage the case or transfer it to the Crown Court for trial.

Court Jurisdiction: Crown Court - The Crown Court handles serious criminal cases (indictable-only offences, like murder, rape, robbery) and either-way offences sent up by the Magistrates' Court. Trials are heard by a judge and a jury of 12 citizens. Sentencing powers are up to the statutory maximum for the offence (including life imprisonment).

General Case Information

This listing represents public court record proceedings for DRAKES Ben. The legal proceedings will occur at Merthyr Tydfil. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Source: HMCTS Public Court Lists.
Disclaimer: The legal definitions and sentencing guidelines above are for general educational purposes under English Law and do not constitute formal legal representation or advice. If you are facing criminal prosecution, consult a qualified criminal defense solicitor immediately.

Case FAQs & Procedure Guide

Yes, it is highly recommended. Legal representation ensures your rights are protected, especially when entering a plea or applying for bail. A duty solicitor is usually available at court for eligible defendants.

Pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity typically entitles you to a sentence reduction (up to one-third off the penalty). The court may sentence you immediately or adjourn to obtain a pre-sentence report.

The case will be adjourned, and a trial date will be set. The court will determine issues such as bail, witness requirements, and evidence submission deadlines.

Guilt is decided by a jury of 12 randomly selected members of the public, who must decide unanimously (or by a majority, if permitted by the judge) if the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge ensures the trial is conducted fairly according to the law, rules on legal arguments, summarizes the case for the jury, and determines the sentence if the defendant is convicted.

Interested in the outcome of this case? You can request more information by emailing the court directly using the Email Court button at the top of the page.

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