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HIGGINS, MARK

Case Reference: 52SF0043426

Case Details

Reference

52SF0043426

Court

Taunton Magistrates' Court, Tribunals and Family Hearing Centre - Courtroom 02

Magistrate

District Judge (MC) Brereton , Mr Mitchell JP , Dr O'Brien JP , Mrs Sadgrove JP

Hearing Date

3 June 2026

Time

10am

Hearing Type

Mention

Court Type

Magistrates

Prosecutor

CPS-SW

Case Details

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

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

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

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.

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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