View Bolton Magistrates Court listings for today. Find hearings, cases, opening times & contact details for The Law Courts, Blackhorse Street, Bolton BL1 1SU.
Daily Listings Summary for Bolton Magistrates' Court
The official court schedule for Tuesday, 23rd June 2026 comprises a total of 12 cases listed for hearing at Bolton Magistrates' Court.
Hearings are scheduled to commence at the following times: 10:00, 10:15, 10:45, 11:00, 11:45, 12:15, 14:00, 14:15, 14:45, 15:00, 15:15, 15:30.
Proceedings will be conducted across courtroom 06.
Members of the public and accredited media representatives are generally permitted to attend these hearings, subject to any reporting restrictions that may be in place.
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View Listings →About Bolton Magistrates' Court
Bolton Magistrates' Court is one of Greater Manchester's busiest magistrates' courts, serving the borough of Bolton and surrounding areas including Westhoughton, Farnworth, Horwich, and Atherton. Situated in the heart of Bolton town centre, the court handles a high volume of criminal, civil, and family proceedings every weekday. As part of HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), it operates under the Greater Manchester court network alongside courts such as Manchester Magistrates' Court and Wigan Magistrates' Court.
The court plays a crucial role in Bolton's justice system, dealing with cases ranging from minor traffic offences and summary offences to more serious either-way matters that may be committed to Bolton Crown Court. Daily court listings are published via Courtserve and updated throughout the day, enabling solicitors, defendants, victims, and members of the public to track scheduled hearings.
Court Address & Contact Details
Address: The Law Courts, Blackhorse Street, Bolton, BL1 1SU
General Enquiries (Crime): 0330 808 4407
Single Justice Service: 0300 303 0656
Payment & Fines Enquiries: 0161 830 4381 (Greater Manchester Central Payment & Enforcement Centre)
Automated Payment Line: 0300 790 9901
Citizens Advice / Witness Support: 0300 332 1000
Email (Crime – reference with letters & numbers): [email protected]
Email (10-digit reference number): [email protected]
Email (Single Justice Service): [email protected]
Email (Fines & Enforcement): [email protected]
Opening Times
Counter open: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday
Telephone enquiries answered: 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Court sittings: Typically begin at 9:30am, Monday to Friday
The court is closed on weekends and bank holidays
Types of Cases Heard at Bolton Magistrates' Court
Bolton Magistrates' Court hears a wide range of cases across criminal, civil, and family jurisdictions. The court's magistrates — both lay magistrates (Justices of the Peace) and District Judges — deal with matters including:
Summary offences: Traffic violations, minor criminal damage, public order offences, and road traffic matters under the Road Traffic Act
Either-way offences: Theft, fraud, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), and drug offences that may be heard at magistrates' or crown court level
Indictable-only offences: These are heard initially at Bolton Magistrates' Court before being sent to Bolton Crown Court for trial
Family proceedings: Urgent domestic proceedings, child arrangement orders, and non-molestation orders
Civil matters: Council Tax liability orders, debt recovery hearings, and licensing appeals
Single Justice Service (SJS) cases: TV licence offences and minor motoring matters dealt with by a single magistrate
Sentencing Powers
Magistrates at Bolton have the power to impose sentences of up to 12 months' imprisonment for a single either-way offence (following the Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 changes), unlimited fines, community orders, and driving disqualifications. More serious sentences are referred to Bolton Crown Court.
How to Find Bolton Magistrates' Court Listings
To view the daily listings:
>Visit courtslistings.co.uk and navigate to the Bolton Magistrates' Court page
>Contact the court directly on 0330 808 4407 if a specific listing has not been published by 5:00pm
Court lists include the defendant's name, case type, courtroom number, and scheduled hearing time. Public access to magistrates' court lists is guaranteed under the principle of open justice.
Getting to Bolton Magistrates' Court
By Train
Bolton railway station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the court. It is served by Northern Rail with regular services from Manchester Victoria (journey time approx. 25 minutes), Wigan, and Preston. From Bolton station, head along Bradshawgate and turn onto Blackhorse Street.
By Bus
Bolton bus interchange is located in the town centre and is well connected to all surrounding areas including Horwich, Westhoughton, Farnworth, and Little Lever. The interchange is a short walk from Blackhorse Street. Key routes operated by First Manchester and Arriva serve the town centre.
By Car
Bolton is accessible from the M61 motorway (Junction 5 for Bolton town centre). There is no dedicated court parking on site; the nearest public car parks are Le Mans Crescent NCP and Topp Way car park, both within a 5-minute walk of the court building.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What time does Bolton Magistrates' Court start?
Court sittings at Bolton Magistrates' Court typically begin at 9:30am, Monday to Friday. However, individual hearing times vary and are detailed in the daily court listings published on Courtserve.
How do I find out if someone is in Bolton Magistrates' Court today?
You can check today's listings on this page or via Courtserve (courtserve.net). Alternatively, call the court on 0330 808 4407 between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Where is Bolton Magistrates' Court located?
Bolton Magistrates' Court is located at The Law Courts, Blackhorse Street, Bolton, BL1 1SU, in the town centre close to Bolton railway station and bus interchange.
Can I attend a hearing at Bolton Magistrates' Court as a member of the public?
Yes. Magistrates' courts are open to the public. You can attend and observe hearings. It is recommended to check the daily listings beforehand and arrive early. You may be asked to wait outside the courtroom until called.
What is the difference between Bolton Magistrates' Court and Bolton Crown Court?
Bolton Magistrates' Court handles the majority of criminal cases — including summary and either-way offences. Bolton Crown Court deals with the most serious indictable offences, trials by jury, and appeals from the magistrates' court. Cases are often sent (committed) from the magistrates' court to the crown court.
How do I pay a fine issued at Bolton Magistrates' Court?
You can pay fines via the automated payment line: 0300 790 9901, or contact the Greater Manchester Central Payment & Enforcement Centre on 0161 830 4381. Online payments can also be made via the HMCTS fine payment portal.