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DALE, Erika

Case Reference: 44SC0753524

Case Details

Reference

44SC0753524

Court

Southampton (West Hampshire) Magistrates' Court

Magistrate

SMC 03: Ms Atkinson JP , Mrs Dimond JP , District Judge (MC) Gordon , Mrs Pitt JP , Mr Stevenson Jp

Hearing Date

19 May 2026

Time

2pm

Hearing Type

Further Case Management

Court Type

Magistrates

Prosecutor

CPS-SW

Case Details

Offence Details: | Use threatening / abusive / insulting words / behaviour to cause harassment / alarm / distress Fail to surrender to police / court bail at the appointed time

Next Steps at this Mention / Case Management / Directions

A mention hearing is scheduled to deal with administrative or legal issues that arise before a trial. This includes discussing outstanding evidence, resolve disclosure disputes, review witness availability, or address bail conditions. The defendant may or may not need to attend, depending on court directions.

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

Harassment / Stalking

Engaging in a course of conduct (on at least two occasions) that causes alarm, distress, or fear of violence to another person, knowing or ought to know it amounts to harassment.

Sentencing: Summary harassment carries up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine. If the harassment causes fear of violence, or is racially or religiously motivated, it is triable either way and carries a maximum of 5 to 14 years imprisonment.
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

Mention hearings are used to keep the case on track. They ensure both the prosecution and defense are complying with court timetables, preventing unnecessary delays on the trial day.

In some instances, if the defendant is represented by a solicitor or barrister, the court may excuse their personal attendance for purely administrative mention hearings. You must confirm this with your legal representative.

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.

Engaging in a course of conduct (on at least two occasions) that causes alarm, distress, or fear of violence to another person, knowing or ought to know it amounts to harassment.

Summary harassment carries up to 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine. If the harassment causes fear of violence, or is racially or religiously motivated, it is triable either way and carries a maximum of 5 to 14 years imprisonment.

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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