What Happens During Robbery Case Management Hearings?

When a person is charged with a robbery offence in England and Wales, the case progresses through a series of structured legal steps before it reaches full trial. Central to this process are case management hearings, which are judicial sessions designed to organise and control the procedural progression of the case. These hearings help clarify issues, manage evidence and set a timetable leading to trial or disposal. This article explains what robbery case management hearings involve, how judges oversee them, and what both prosecution and defence can expect.

Robbery is an indictable offence under section 8 of the Theft Act 1968, involving the use or threat of force to steal or put someone in fear of force. Because of its seriousness, robbery cases are typically heard in the Crown Court before a judge and jury. Case management hearings ensure that all necessary preparation is done in advance so that the trial can proceed fairly and efficiently.

What Is Case Management?

Case management refers to the judicial oversight of all pre‑trial steps in a criminal prosecution, including robbery. It is built into the Criminal Procedure Rules (CrimPR) and related Criminal Practice Directions, which require courts to proactively organise cases so that they are ready for trial without unnecessary delay. The overriding objective of these rules is to ensure proceedings are just, proportionate, economical, timely and efficient.

In Crown Court robberies and other serious indictable offences, the main case management hearing is the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH), which now replaces earlier preliminary and plea and case management hearings.

When Case Management Happens

After a robbery case is sent from the magistrates' court to the Crown Court for trial (because it is indictable only and too serious for magistrates' sentencing powers), the first major hearing will usually be the Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH). This is generally listed within about 28 days of sending, although the exact timetable may vary.

There is no longer a separate committal process in serious cases. Instead, the focus is on early case management once the matter is in the Crown Court.

What Happens at a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH)?

The Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH) is the centrepiece of case management in robbery cases and other indictable matters. It serves multiple procedural and preparatory functions:

1. Arraignment and Plea Entry

At the start of the PTPH, the court formally reads the charges on the indictment to the defendant. The defendant then enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. This plea determines the next steps:

• If the defendant pleads guilty, the judge may move to sentencing or adjourn for a pre‑sentence report if required.
• If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case will proceed to trial preparation.

2. Identification of Key Issues

If a not guilty plea is entered, the judge will direct prosecution and defence to discuss and identify the central issues in dispute. These may include factual disputes (e.g. the level of force used, disputed witness accounts) or legal questions about admissibility of evidence.

3. Case Timetable and Directions

The judge sets specific directions and a timetable leading up to trial. These usually include:

• deadlines for disclosure of evidence from the prosecution to defence;
• service of defence statements outlining the defence case;
• provision of expert evidence if required;
• scheduling of any preliminary applications relating to evidence or legal issues.

These directions help ensure that both sides have clarity on what must be prepared and when, allowing the trial to proceed efficiently.

4. Disclosure Management

Disclosure is a key issue in robbery cases. Prosecution must disclose all relevant material, including unused evidence, under statutory obligations. In practice, prosecutors will prepare a Disclosure Management Document (DMD) prior to the PTPH to explain how material has been reviewed and disclose any reasonable lines of enquiry considered so far. Defence may respond with additional requests. The judge oversees this process and may give further disclosure directions.

What Happens After the PTPH?

After the PTPH, there may be:

• Mentions or interim hearings to resolve emerging issues (e.g. disclosure disputes, witness issues).
• Final preparation steps, including approval of witness lists and expert reports.
• Scheduling of the trial date itself and confirmation of practical arrangements such as estimated trial length, venue logistics and special arrangements for vulnerable witnesses.

A further case management hearing is only listed in more complex cases where additional judicial oversight is necessary. These are less common under the current system unless the judge identifies specific procedural needs.

Key Legal Principles in Robbery Case Management

Active Case Management

Under the Criminal Procedure Rules, judges must actively manage all criminal cases to further the overriding objective. Parties must assist the court by providing information, completing necessary forms and engaging with case preparation.

Focus on Efficiency and Fairness

The aim of case management is to make sure that all necessary preparatory steps (disclosure, witness statements, defence materials) are completed before the trial so that the trial itself starts promptly and is not repeatedly adjourned. This reduces cost and delay for victims, defendants and the public.

Case Delivery

Judges and court staff will use digital tools such as the Crown Court Digital Case System to exchange documents and maintain transparency about timelines and materials, further supporting efficient case management.

Rights and Responsibilities of Parties

Prosecution Responsibilities

Prosecutors, usually from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), must:

• serve initial details of the prosecution case at or before the first hearing;
• prepare and serve full disclosure material;
• engage meaningfully with defence regarding evidence and issues.

Defence Responsibilities

The defence must:

• review prosecution evidence promptly;
• comply with deadlines for defence statements;
• raise legal or factual issues in advance of trial;
• assist the court in case preparation.

Failure by either side to engage can lead to court sanctions or adjustment of timetables.

Common Questions About Robbery Case Management

Is case management the trial?
No. It is a preparatory process designed to organise the evidence and legal issues so that the trial can proceed fairly and efficiently.

Can the defendant be sentenced at the case management hearing?
Only if the defendant pleads guilty at the PTPH. Otherwise, sentencing is reserved for the trial or a later hearing.

Do victims attend case management hearings?
Prosecution and defence counsel represent the parties. Victims do not usually attend case management hearings but may receive updates through the Victim Liaison Unit or witnesses care services.

Key Takeaways

In robbery cases in England and Wales, case management hearings are essential steps in preparing the prosecution for trial. The Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH) is the principal case management session, during which the court takes the plea, sets directions, and structures the timetable for the rest of the case. Judges play an active role in ensuring disclosure is complete, legal issues are identified, and both prosecution and defence are ready for trial. Effective case management promotes fairness, minimises delay and supports an orderly trial process.