Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court Listings

About Caernarfon Magistrates' Court

Caernarfon Magistrates' Court operates within the Caernarfon Justice Centre, a modern facility located on Llanberis Road, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 2DF. Opened in 2009 and designed by Austin-Smith:Lord architects, the Justice Centre replaced the historic County Hall at Castle Ditch, which had served as the town's criminal court venue for decades. The building sits just off the A4086 and serves as the principal magistrates' court for the Gwynedd region, hearing cases from across North West Wales including Bangor, Pwllheli, Porthmadog, and the surrounding rural communities of the Llŷn Peninsula and Snowdonia.

Types of Cases Heard

Caernarfon Magistrates' Court handles a wide range of summary offences and criminal matters. These include motoring offences such as drink driving, speeding, and driving without insurance; public order offences; theft and shoplifting; minor assault and battery charges; criminal damage; drug possession; and breaches of community orders. The court also conducts first hearings and committal proceedings for indictable offences that will be sent to Mold Crown Court for trial or sentencing. Bail applications, warrant hearings, and single justice procedure cases relating to low-level regulatory matters are also dealt with here. Additionally, the Justice Centre handles family court matters, county court civil claims, bankruptcy proceedings, and social security and child support tribunal hearings under one roof.

Court Listings and Daily Schedule

Daily court listings for Caernarfon Magistrates' Court are published each working day, typically by 4pm the previous afternoon. Hearings generally commence at 10:00am and are assigned across multiple courtrooms within the Justice Centre. Each listing includes the defendant's name, the courtroom number, and the scheduled start time. Members of the public and accredited media representatives may attend hearings unless specific reporting restrictions apply. It is advisable to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled hearing time, as security checks are carried out at the entrance. Mobile phones must be switched off before entering any courtroom.

Contact Details and Opening Hours

The Caernarfon Justice Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 5pm. The counter is open from 10am to 2pm for urgent applications by prior appointment only. For magistrates' court enquiries, contact the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre, which operates Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm, and Saturday 8am to 2pm. The magistrates' court general email is [email protected], and for single justice procedure queries, contact [email protected]. The national contact number for court enquiries is 0300 123 5577.

Getting to Caernarfon Justice Centre

The court is situated on Llanberis Road, a short walk from Caernarfon town centre and within easy reach of Caernarfon Castle and the A487 trunk road. A limited number of free parking spaces are available at the front of the building, and a Gwynedd Council Pay & Display car park is located to the rear. Caernarfon does not have a railway station; the nearest stations are Bangor (approximately 8 miles away) and Llanfairpwll on Anglesey (around 6 miles). Regular Arriva Cymru bus services connect Bangor, Porthmadog, and Pwllheli to Caernarfon bus interchange, which is less than a 10-minute walk from the court. If you are attending a hearing at a nearby court in North Wales, you can also check today's listings for Llandudno Magistrates' Court.

Accessibility and Facilities

Caernarfon Justice Centre provides level access to the building entrance and courtrooms, making it fully wheelchair accessible. A hearing loop system is installed throughout the building, and lanyards are available on request for those with hidden disabilities. Assistance dogs are welcome. Baby changing facilities are available, and a suitable private room may be provided on request for witnesses or families with specific needs. If you have a disability and require assistance attending a hearing, you should contact the court in advance on 0300 123 5577 to discuss any adjustments needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What time do hearings start at Caernarfon Magistrates' Court? Most hearings are scheduled to begin at 10:00am, though times may vary depending on the court list for that day.
• Can I attend a hearing at Caernarfon Magistrates' Court as a member of the public? Yes, magistrates' court hearings are generally open to the public unless reporting restrictions have been imposed by the bench.
• Where do serious criminal cases from Caernarfon go? Indictable-only and either-way offences committed for trial are typically transferred to Mold Crown Court for hearing before a judge and jury.
• Is there parking at the Caernarfon Justice Centre? Yes, limited free parking is available on site, and a Pay & Display car park operated by Gwynedd Council is directly behind the building.
• How do I contact the court about a magistrates' case? Email [email protected] or call the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0300 123 5577 during standard hours.