Southend Magistrates’ Court Listings

About Southend Magistrates' Court

Southend Magistrates' Court is located at The Court House, 80 Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EU. Situated immediately south of the Southend Civic Centre, this courthouse has served the local community since 1966, when it replaced an older facility on Alexandra Street that had handled petty sessions since 1883. The current building was designed by borough architect Patrick Burridge in a Modernist style, constructed in concrete and glass with an asymmetrical frontage of 30 bays facing Victoria Avenue. The court handles a range of criminal matters, family proceedings, domestic abuse cases, and matters dealt with under the Single Justice Procedure. It also functions as a Family Court Hearing Centre, making it a key venue for both criminal and civil family law in the Southend-on-Sea area.

Southend Magistrates' Court Contact Details and Opening Hours

The court is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Telephone enquiries are answered from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays by calling 03308 084 407. For magistrates' court enquiries, email [email protected]. If your matter relates to a Single Justice Procedure case, contact [email protected] or call 0300 303 0656. Family court queries should be directed to [email protected] or by calling 0344 892 4000. Written correspondence should be sent to the Court Administration Centre at P.O. Box 10754, Chelmsford, CM1 9PZ. Payments can be made via the National Payment Line on 0300 790 9901, which operates 24 hours.

Types of Cases Heard

• Summary criminal offences and either-way offences
• Single Justice Procedure notices (e.g. TV licence evasion, minor motoring offences)
• Domestic abuse and restraining order applications
• Family proceedings including child arrangement orders
• Bail hearings and remand decisions
• Warrant enforcement through the National Compliance and Enforcement Service

Court Facilities and Accessibility

Southend Magistrates' Court provides level access at the building entrance and throughout the courtrooms, ensuring step-free entry for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility difficulties. Assistance dogs are welcomed, and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards are available on request at reception. A hearing enhancement loop system is fitted and can be arranged before your hearing by contacting the court directly. The building includes a children's waiting room and baby changing facilities located in the disabled toilets on the ground floor. Video conferencing and prison-to-court video link facilities are also available by prior arrangement, reducing the need for defendant transfers in certain cases. If you have a disability and require additional help attending a hearing, call 03308 084 407 in advance.

How to Get to Southend Magistrates' Court

The courthouse sits on Victoria Avenue (the A127), one of Southend-on-Sea's main arterial roads, making it straightforward to reach by car. Limited on-street parking is available nearby, and several pay-and-display car parks operate within walking distance of the court. By rail, Southend Victoria station is the nearest stop and is located on the same road, just a short walk north of the courthouse. Greater Anglia runs regular services from London Liverpool Street, with the journey taking approximately one hour. Alternatively, Southend Central station, served by c2c from London Fenchurch Street, is around a 10-minute walk away. Several local bus routes stop at the Victoria Station Interchange directly outside Southend Victoria, connecting the court to Leigh-on-Sea, Shoeburyness, Rayleigh, and other parts of south Essex.

Nearby Courts in Essex

If your case has been transferred or you need information about other courts in the region, Basildon Magistrates' Court is approximately 12 miles west along the A127 and handles a similar caseload for the Basildon and Thurrock area. Chelmsford Magistrates' Court is around 18 miles north and serves as a major hub for Essex, also housing the regional court administration centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do hearings start at Southend Magistrates' Court?

Most morning hearings are listed from 10:00 am, with afternoon sessions typically beginning at 1:15 pm or 2:00 pm. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled hearing time to pass through security and find your courtroom.

Can I check Southend court listings online?

Yes. Daily listings for Southend Magistrates' Court are published on this page using data from the HMCTS Xhibit digital display system. Listings are updated regularly and show the courtroom number, hearing time, and case details for each scheduled matter.

Is there parking near the courthouse?

There is no dedicated court car park, but several public car parks operate on or near Victoria Avenue and the surrounding streets in Southend town centre. Arriving by train to Southend Victoria station is often more convenient, as the court is within a few minutes' walk.

What should I bring to Southend Magistrates' Court?

Bring your court summons or hearing notice, a form of photo identification, and any documents relevant to your case. Mobile phones must be switched to silent mode inside the building, and photography or recording is not permitted unless authorised by the court.