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SEASMAN, JASON

Case Reference: 43SW0230626

Case Details

Open Justice Notice: This record is a public court hearing entry sourced from official HMCTS daily cause lists and is published under the principle of open justice, which holds that court proceedings must be accessible to the public and the press. Appearance in this record does not imply guilt. If this case involves a spent conviction under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, or if you believe this record is inaccurate, please contact us at [email protected].

Reference

43SW0230626

Court

Reading Magistrates' Court and Family Court - Courtroom 01

Magistrate

Miss Lewin JP , Miss McCurry JP , Mr Stone JP , Mr Witting JP

Hearing Date

14 July 2026

Time

10am

Hearing Type

Plea and Trial Preparation

Court Type

Magistrates

Prosecutor

CPS-TCTV

Case Details

Offence Details: | Common assault

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

Common Assault / Battery

Common assault is committed when a person intentionally or recklessly causes another to apprehend immediate, unlawful violence. Battery is the actual application of unlawful force. No physical injury needs to occur.

Sentencing: Usually dealt with in the Magistrates' Court. Maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment, a community order, or a fine. If racially or religiously aggravated, it can be sent to the Crown Court with higher maximum penalties.
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.

Common assault is committed when a person intentionally or recklessly causes another to apprehend immediate, unlawful violence. Battery is the actual application of unlawful force. No physical injury needs to occur.

Usually dealt with in the Magistrates' Court. Maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment, a community order, or a fine. If racially or religiously aggravated, it can be sent to the Crown Court with higher maximum penalties.

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