Barkingside Magistrates’ Court Listings

About Barkingside Magistrates' Court

Barkingside Magistrates' Court is located at 850 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex, IG6 1HW, serving communities across the London Borough of Redbridge and surrounding parts of East London. The court handles criminal cases for residents of Barking, Dagenham, Ilford, Romford, Havering, and Waltham Forest, making it one of the busiest magistrates' courts in the capital. It operates under the administration of HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and falls within the North London Magistrates' Court administration centre.

Types of Cases Heard at Barkingside Magistrates' Court

Barkingside Magistrates' Court processes a wide range of summary and either-way criminal offences. These include common assault and actual bodily harm, shoplifting and retail theft, drug possession (Class A, B, and C substances), driving offences such as drink driving, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance, public order offences, criminal damage, and domestic-related matters. The court also handles bail applications, sentencing hearings, case management sessions, and committal proceedings where more serious cases are sent to the Crown Court for trial.

Single Justice Procedure (SJP) cases — typically involving minor offences such as TV licence evasion, road traffic violations, and fare evasion — are also dealt with through this court. If your case involves a more serious indictable offence, preliminary hearings may still begin at Barkingside before being transferred to a Crown Court such as Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Court Opening Hours and Contact Information

The court building is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm. The public counter operates between 9:00am and 11:00am, and again from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. Hearings are typically scheduled from 10:00am, with afternoon sessions starting at 2:00pm. The court is closed on weekends and bank holidays.

Contact Details

• Address: 850 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex, IG6 1HW
• Postal address: Central Administration Centre, Thames Magistrates Court, 58 Bow Road, London, E3 4DJ
• General enquiries: 03308 084 407 (Monday to Friday 8:30am–5pm, Saturday 8am–2pm)
• Local enquiries: 0300 303 0645 (Monday to Friday 8:30am–4pm)
• Fine payments: 0300 790 9901
• Fine queries: 0300 123 9252
• Email: [email protected]
• Single Justice Service: [email protected]

Getting to Barkingside Magistrates' Court

By Public Transport

Barkingside Underground Station on the Central line is approximately a 10-minute walk from the court. Several bus routes stop directly outside the court building, including the 123, 128, 167, 169, 247, and 346 services. The bus stop labelled "Barkingside Magistrates Court" on Cranbrook Road is less than a one-minute walk from the entrance. Fairlop station, also on the Central line, is a short distance to the north.

By Car and Parking

There is no public parking within the court building itself. However, a pay-and-display car park is situated on Court Way, just off Tanners Lane, directly behind the court. On-street parking is available on Court Way at approximately £1.45 for up to two hours. Sainsbury's Barkingside car park and other private parking options are located within a short walk. For satellite navigation, use postcode IG6 1HW.

Court Facilities and Accessibility

Barkingside Magistrates' Court provides level access at the main entrance and into courtrooms, making it accessible for wheelchair users. Disabled toilets are available within the building. A portable hearing enhancement system can be arranged in advance by contacting the court. Assistance dogs are welcome, and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards are available on request at reception. The court also offers baby changing facilities, a witness waiting room on the first floor, and refreshments from the ground-floor cafeteria. The Witness Service operates from the court to support those attending to give evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out if my case is listed at Barkingside Magistrates' Court today?

Daily court listings for Barkingside Magistrates' Court are published each morning by HMCTS. You can check this page for the latest scheduled hearings, including courtroom numbers, hearing times, and case references. If you have received a postal requisition or summons, the date and time of your hearing will be printed on the document.

What should I do if I receive a summons to Barkingside Magistrates' Court?

A postal requisition or summons is a legal document requiring you to attend court on a specific date. You must not ignore it. Failing to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest or the case being heard in your absence. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your listed hearing time and report to the court reception desk. It is advisable to seek legal advice from a solicitor before your court date.

Can I attend a hearing at Barkingside Magistrates' Court as a member of the public?

Most hearings at magistrates' courts in England and Wales are open to the public unless specific reporting restrictions have been imposed by the bench. Youth court proceedings are not open to the general public. If you wish to observe a hearing, arrive before the session begins and take a seat in the public gallery.

Which areas does Barkingside Magistrates' Court serve?

Barkingside Magistrates' Court primarily covers the London Borough of Redbridge and handles cases from Ilford, Barkingside, Woodford, Wanstead, South Woodford, Hainault, and Chadwell Heath. Cases from neighbouring boroughs including Havering, Barking & Dagenham, and parts of Newham are also regularly heard here. For cases arising further east in Essex, defendants may be listed at Romford Magistrates' Court instead.