Blackburn Magistrates’ Court Listings

Blackburn Magistrates' Court handles hundreds of criminal and civil hearings each week, serving the communities of Blackburn, Darwen, and the wider Lancashire area. Whether you are a defendant, witness, legal professional, or member of the public, this page provides up-to-date court listings, essential contact information, and everything you need to know before attending court in Blackburn.

About Blackburn Magistrates' Court

Situated in the heart of the historic market town of Blackburn, The Court House on Northgate has served the local justice system for generations. The court sits within the Lancashire Magistrates' Courts network and deals with the vast majority of criminal cases in the region — from first hearings and bail applications to guilty pleas and summary trials. Cases involving offences such as motoring violations, minor theft, public disorder, drug possession, and common assault are regularly listed here.

Blackburn has a rich civic and industrial heritage dating back to the textile boom of the 18th and 19th centuries. As one of Lancashire's largest urban centres, its magistrates' court reflects the volume and diversity of the local population, handling matters referred from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council area as well as overflow business from neighbouring courts such as Burnley Magistrates' Court and Preston Magistrates' Court.

Court Address, Contact Details & Opening Hours

You can reach Blackburn Magistrates' Court at the following address and contact details:

• Address: The Court House, Northgate, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1AA
• General Enquiries Phone: 0330 808 4407 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5pm; Saturday 8:30am–2pm)
• Payments Line: 01282 610 000
• Witness Service: 0300 332 1000
• Email (Crime enquiries): [email protected]
• Email (Listings/Video hearings): [email protected]
• Email (Lancashire Mags Enquiries): [email protected]
• Court Open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
• Telephone Enquiries Answered: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Single Justice Service

For Single Justice Procedure (SJP) cases — including TV licence and road traffic matters decided by a single magistrate without a full hearing — contact the dedicated Single Justice Service at [email protected] or call 0300 303 0656 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Cases Heard at Blackburn Magistrates' Court

As a busy magistrates' court serving a population of over 150,000 in Blackburn with Darwen, the court hears a wide range of criminal and civil proceedings, including:

• Summary-only offences — minor criminal matters that are tried and sentenced entirely at the magistrates' court, including low-level assault, criminal damage, and motoring offences
• Either-way offences — cases such as theft, fraud, and drug offences where the defendant may elect Crown Court trial or the magistrates may decide to send the case upward
• Indictable-only offences (first hearings) — serious crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery are sent immediately to Burnley Crown Court after a brief first hearing at Blackburn Magistrates'
• Road traffic and motoring offences — speeding, drink driving (DR10), driving without insurance, and licence endorsements
• Bail applications and remand hearings
• Domestic violence protection orders and restraining orders
• Youth court proceedings — cases involving defendants under 18 years old
• Civil debt recovery and council tax enforcement

How to Get to Blackburn Magistrates' Court

The Court House on Northgate is centrally located in Blackburn town centre, making it accessible by a range of transport options.

By Train

Blackburn Railway Station is served by Northern Rail on the Blackburn–Manchester Victoria and Blackburn–Clitheroe lines. The station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the court along Northgate. Trains run regularly from Preston (approx. 20 minutes), Manchester (approx. 50 minutes), and Clitheroe (approx. 30 minutes).

By Bus

Blackburn Bus Station is located a short 5-minute walk from the court. Multiple bus routes connect Blackburn with surrounding towns including Darwen, Accrington, Burnley, and Clitheroe. The Transdev and Arriva networks serve this area extensively.

By Car

Blackburn is easily accessible from the M65 motorway (Junction 4). The court is located near the town centre ring road. Several public car parks are available nearby, including King Street multi-storey car park and Blakey Moor car park.

What to Expect When Attending Court

If you are attending Blackburn Magistrates' Court as a defendant, witness, or member of the public, you should arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your scheduled hearing time. All visitors must pass through a security screening at the main entrance. Court listings are updated throughout the day, and specific courtroom allocations for your case will be displayed on the screens in the public waiting area.

Disability Access

If you have a disability and require assistance attending a hearing at Blackburn, contact the court in advance on 0330 808 4407. The building has accessible entrances, hearing loops, and video-link facilities for those who cannot attend in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find today's Blackburn Magistrates Court listings?

Daily court listings for Blackburn Magistrates' Court are published on this page. Lists are updated throughout the day and are available for one day only. Monday listings (and Saturday sittings where applicable) are published on the preceding Friday.

What is the postcode for Blackburn Magistrates' Court?

The full address is The Court House, Northgate, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB2 1AA.

What time does Blackburn Magistrates' Court open?

The court is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. It is closed on weekends and bank holidays. Telephone enquiries are also answered Monday to Friday during the same hours, with the Crime Customer Service Centre available from 8:30am to 5pm weekdays and 8:30am to 2pm on Saturdays.

Can I watch a case at Blackburn Magistrates' Court?

Yes. Magistrates' courts in England and Wales are open to the public. You are entitled to sit in the public gallery during most hearings. Some proceedings — including youth court cases and certain family matters — are held in private. Simply attend reception on arrival and ask which courts have hearings open to observers.

What happens if my case is sent to Crown Court from Blackburn?

If your case is sent to Crown Court, it will typically be allocated to Burnley Crown Court, which serves the Blackburn with Darwen area. Burnley Crown Court handles all serious indictable-only matters committed from Blackburn Magistrates'.