Youth Court Procedure

Question 1

Children vs young person

Answer 1

Child: 11 - 13
Young person: 14 - 17

Question 2

PYO

Answer 2

Juvenile sentenced on 3 separate occasions for 1 or more custodial offences.

Question 3

Mode of trial: homicide offences

Answer 3

Case must be dealt with in Crown Court.

Question 4

Mode of trial: firearms offences

Answer 4

Where the juvenile has attained the age of 16, the case must be sent to Crown Court.

Question 5

Mode of trial: grave crimes

Answer 5

Grave crimes = offences such as robbery, rape, assault by penetration, s 18 GBH).

Youth court may accept jurisdiction if it considers its maximum sentencing powers (24-month detention and training order) adequate.

Question 6

Mode of trial: jointly charged with an adult

Answer 6

Adult’s case dealt with in Crown Court - juvenile may also be sent where it is necessary in the interests of justice.

Adult’s case dealt with in MC - adult and juvenile tried together in adult MC for conviction, but juvenile may be remitted back to youth court for sentencing.

Question 7

Bail: Local authority accomodation

Answer 7

10-11 year olds may only be remanded here.

Question 8

Bail: Youth detention accomodation

Answer 8

Conditions:
- 12 - 17 years old,

• Offence must be of a violent or sexual nature where an adult could be punished with imprisonment of 14+ years,
• The court believes remand is necessary to protect the public from death or serious personal injury.

Question 9

Sentence: Referral orders

Answer 9

For a juvenile who pleads guilty and has never been previously convicted by a court.

Question 10

Sentence: Detention and training orders

Answer 10

The offence must be so serious that neither a fine alone nor a community sentence can be justified.

Can’t be imposed on juveniles aged 10-11.

Can be imposed on juveniles aged 12-14 if they are a PYO.

No restrictions on juveniles aged 15+.