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TOWNSEND, Chelsea

Case Reference: 36CJ1956325

Case Details

Reference

36CJ1956325

Court

Norwich Magistrates' Court and Family Court - Courtroom 02

Magistrate

Ms Brake JP , Mr Lambert JP , Mr Mortlock JP

Hearing Date

23 June 2026

Time

2pm

Hearing Type

Plea and Trial Preparation

Court Type

Magistrates

Prosecutor

CPS-EEN

Case Details

Offence Details: | Theft from a shop Breach criminal behaviour order

Next Steps at this Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH)

This is the first hearing in the Crown Court. The defendant will be asked to enter a plea. If they plead guilty, the judge may sentence them immediately. If they plead not guilty, the court will set a trial date and establish a strict timetable for the prosecution and defense to exchange evidence and resolve pre-trial issues.

Court Jurisdiction: Magistrates' Court - Magistrates' Courts handle virtually all summary offences (minor offences) and start the proceedings for serious offences. They are presided over by three volunteer Magistrates (advised by a legal advisor) or a single qualified District Judge. They do not have a jury.

UK Offence & Sentencing Guidelines

Theft / Shoplifting

Theft is the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving them of it (Theft Act 1968). Shoplifting is a common form of theft from retail premises.

Sentencing: Triable either way. Low-value shoplifting (under £200) is prosecuted as a summary offence in the Magistrates' Court. General theft carries a maximum of 7 years imprisonment in the Crown Court, though low-level offences usually result in fines, discharges, or community service.
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. Every case sent to the Crown Court must have a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing to ensure case management guidelines are followed and trial dates are secured.

Yes. If a defendant initially intended to plead not guilty but decides to plead guilty at the PTPH, they still qualify for a sentence reduction, though it may be less than a plea at the very first Magistrates' Court hearing.

For a single summary/either-way offence, magistrates can sentence a defendant to a maximum of 6 months in prison (or up to 12 months for multiple either-way offences), alongside unlimited fines and community orders.

Magistrates are trained volunteers from the local community who sit in panels of three. A District Judge is a qualified legal professional who sits alone. Both have the same sentencing powers.

Theft is the dishonest appropriation of property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving them of it (Theft Act 1968). Shoplifting is a common form of theft from retail premises.

Triable either way. Low-value shoplifting (under £200) is prosecuted as a summary offence in the Magistrates' Court. General theft carries a maximum of 7 years imprisonment in the Crown Court, though low-level offences usually result in fines, discharges, or community service.

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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