08 July 2020
Introduction of PPS Case Progression Hubs for New Summons Cases
The Public Prosecution Service will pilot new Regional Case
Progression Hubs (CPHs), commencing with their Belfast and Eastern Region from
Monday 6th July. A CPH is also to be established in the Western and Southern
Region, provisionally scheduled for 10th August 2020.
The CPHs are being introduced in order to support case progression
in new summons cases listed in the Magistrates’ Courts. The Hubs aim to
maximise the effectiveness of first appearances by identifying cases that are
likely to result in a guilty plea, to facilitate direct engagement on legal
issues between PPS and solicitors prior to first hearing.
Support for the CPHs will be provided by experienced court
prosecutors who will be allocated to cover particular areas and court venues.
Initial contact will be via dedicated CPH email addresses. Queries will then be
allocated to the appropriate prosecutor by a CPH administrator. The CPH model
allows for the sharing of relevant information on a limited basis (e.g.
Outlines of Case, criminal records, common law disclosure) where that is
required to support effective case progression.
Further details of the CPHs, including information requirements
and email addresses, can be accessed in the document below.