Why does the Court need a Report?

The Court has to decide on the most appropriate sentence for the offence you have committed. This is based on:-

• The seriousness of your offence

• Your suitability for particular sentences.

Some community sentences cannot be made unless a Report has been prepared.

The Youth Offending Team Officer from your area.

The Officer, who will interview you, probably on more than one occasion, will need to ask you relevant questions. This would normally involve discussion with your parents/carers at home.

If you are in custody, the Officer will visit you. If you are on bail, it is most important that you keep appointments to allow the Officer the maximum time to prepare your report. The extent to which you participate will effect the quality of the Report.

The Youth offending Team Officer may also want to talk with other people who know you, such as your teachers, social worker, youth worker, family doctor, or with others who provide specialist services that could be helpful to you.

It gives information about:

• The details and circumstances of your offence(s)

• The seriousness of your offence(s)
• An assessment of the consequences of the offence(s) including the impact on the victim.

• An assessment of your attitude to the offence(s) and its consequence.

• The risks of further offending.

• Any personal circumstances which may be relevant to the offence(s)

• The suitability of any particular sentence

Personal information acquired during the preparation of your Report will be treated with the utmost care. However, the Youth offending Team cannot guarantee to keep all the information confidential.

For example if you disclose another offence, or there is a concern about the safety of other people, the Officer may need to pass on the information. As far as possible, this action will be discussed with you first.

• Your Solicitor/Barrister

• The Judge or Magistrates

• The Court Legal Advisor

• The Crown Prosecution Service

• The Youth Offending Team Officer at Court

• The Prison, if you are sent there

• Your Social Worker, if you have one

The report will be shown to you before you appear in Court. If you feel anything written about you is not true or fair, you should say so. An opportunity will then be given to you or your legal representative to give your comments in Court. The report will not be read aloud in Court, although your Defence Lawyer may refer to the contents. The court may also ask questions or comment on it.

The Pre-Sentence Report is an important source of information for the sentencing Court.

If the Court is to have a fair picture of you, the Youth Offending Team Officerwill need your cooperation.

We aim to provide the best possible service in the preparation of a Pre-Sentence Report.

We also seek to provide a service, which is fair to all. We will not accept racist, sexist or any other offensive remarks or behaviour from members of staff or those under supervision.