Berwick Magistrates’ Court Listings

About Berwick upon Tweed Magistrates' Court

Berwick upon Tweed Magistrates' Court is a satellite courthouse located at 40 Church Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 1DX. As England's northernmost magistrates' court, it serves the borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed and surrounding rural communities along the Scottish border. The court operates under the administrative umbrella of Newcastle upon Tyne Magistrates' Court and is managed by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) within the North East region.

The court building itself dates back to 1901, when it was opened as a combined police station and magistrates' court. Designed by the Newcastle architect Robert Burns-Dick — whose portfolio includes the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle and the Tyne Road Bridge towers — the Grade II listed building on Church Street has served the local justice system for well over a century. Initially functioning as a Petty Sessions Court, it later became the magistrates' court that residents of Berwick and the surrounding Northumberland countryside rely on today.

Cases Heard at Berwick Magistrates' Court

Berwick upon Tweed Magistrates' Court primarily handles criminal cases and matters dealt with under the Single Justice Procedure (SJP). Criminal hearings cover summary offences such as minor assault, criminal damage, public order offences, road traffic violations, theft, and drink driving charges. Single Justice Procedure cases — typically involving offences like TV licence evasion, minor motoring matters, and railway fare evasion — are processed by a single magistrate without a full court hearing. More serious indictable offences that begin at Berwick may be committed or sent to Newcastle Crown Court for trial.

How Berwick Court Listings Work

Because Berwick upon Tweed operates as a satellite courthouse, it does not sit every day. The court is only open when scheduled sittings take place, and daily cause lists are published by HMCTS in advance of each sitting day. Defendants, solicitors, and witnesses should check the current hearing schedule before attending, as sitting days can vary from week to week depending on caseload. Our listings page above provides regularly updated hearing information so you can confirm whether your case or a case of interest is listed.

Contact Details and Enquiries

All postal correspondence for Berwick upon Tweed Magistrates' Court should be directed to The Law Courts, Newcastle Magistrates Court, The Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3LA. For general magistrates' court enquiries, contact the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 03308 084 407 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5pm; Saturday, 8am–2pm). Fine payment queries can be made on 0191 298 2280, or fines can be paid directly by calling 0300 790 9901. If your matter relates to a Single Justice Procedure case, the dedicated SJP line is 0300 303 0656 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm). Listing enquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].

Getting to Berwick upon Tweed Magistrates' Court

The courthouse on Church Street sits within Berwick's compact historic town centre. There is no on-site car parking, but pay-and-display parking is available approximately 100 metres away at the junction of Church Street and The Parade, offering all-day spaces. Berwick-upon-Tweed railway station is roughly a 10-minute walk from the court and is served by LNER and CrossCountry services on the East Coast Main Line, with direct trains from Edinburgh (45 minutes) and Newcastle (50 minutes). Local bus services operated by Arriva and Borders Buses also stop within walking distance of Church Street. Visitors with accessibility requirements should contact the court in advance on 01289 306885, as access to the building is limited. The court does provide hearing loop facilities and participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Berwick upon Tweed Magistrates' Court open every day?

No. Berwick is a satellite courthouse and is only open on days when the court is sitting. You should check the listings above or contact HMCTS on 03308 084 407 to confirm sitting dates before travelling.

Where do I send post for Berwick Magistrates' Court?

All written correspondence should be sent to Newcastle Magistrates Court, The Law Courts, The Quayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3LA — not to the Church Street address in Berwick.

What happens if my case is too serious for Berwick Magistrates' Court?

Indictable-only offences and either-way offences deemed too serious for summary trial will be committed or sent to the Crown Court. Cases from Berwick are typically transferred to Newcastle Crown Court for further proceedings.

Can I find listings for nearby Northumberland courts?

Yes. If your case has been moved or you need neighbouring court information, you can check listings for Mid and South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court, which covers Bedlington and the wider south-east Northumberland area.