Oxford Magistrates’ Court Listings

Oxford Magistrates Court: Daily Listings & Hearing Schedule

Oxford Magistrates Court sits at The Court House, Speedwell Street, Oxford, OX1 1RZ — the city's primary venue for summary criminal proceedings, traffic offences, licensing matters, and preliminary hearings for more serious cases. The court serves Oxford city and the surrounding South Oxfordshire areas, handling hundreds of cases each week from speeding fines and antisocial behaviour to fraud and assault. Whether you're a legal professional, defendant, witness, or member of the public, this page keeps you updated on the latest Oxford Magistrates Court listings as they are published each day.

About Oxford Magistrates Court

Oxford's magistrates court has operated from its current site on Speedwell Street for many decades, forming a central pillar of the Oxfordshire justice system. The city of Oxford — steeped in academic and legal history — has long maintained a robust court infrastructure. Oxford Magistrates Court (Court No. 1922) works alongside the Oxford Combined Court Centre on St Aldate's, which handles Crown Court and County Court matters. Together, these courts serve one of the UK's most historically significant judicial regions, covering the Thames Valley area and Oxfordshire's diverse urban and rural communities.

The court regularly processes cases brought by Thames Valley Police, the DVLA, TV Licensing, the Environment Agency, and local authorities. Cases range from minor road traffic violations heard under the Single Justice Procedure to complex multi-defendant criminal trials. Sensitive cases involving children are not published in public listings.

Types of Cases Heard

• Summary offences — minor criminal matters dealt with solely by magistrates, including minor assaults, public order offences, and low-value theft
• Either-way offences — cases such as drug possession, fraud, and ABH that may be committed to Oxford Crown Court for sentencing
• Road traffic offences — speeding, driving without insurance, drink-driving, and vehicle-related matters
• Licensing matters — alcohol and premises licensing hearings for Oxford city and Oxfordshire districts
• Family and civil enforcement — including council tax liability orders and benefit fraud prosecutions
• Preliminary Crown Court hearings — first hearings and sending orders for indictable-only offences

Court Opening Times & Contact Details

Oxford Magistrates Court is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The public counter operates Monday to Thursday 9am to 4:30pm and Friday 9am to 4pm. Sittings typically begin at 9:30am or 10am depending on the court list for that day. The court is closed on weekends and public holidays, except in exceptional overnight custody circumstances.

Contact Information

• Address: The Court House, Speedwell Street, Oxford, OX1 1RZ
• General Enquiries (HMCTS): 03308 084 407 — Monday to Friday 8:30am–5pm, Saturday 8am–2pm
• Local Admin Email: [email protected]
• Crime Enquiries Email: [email protected]
• Single Justice Service: [email protected] | 0300 303 0656
• Fine Payments: 01869 853290 or 0300 790 9901
• Witness Service: 0300 332 1000
• DX Number: DX 96452 Oxford 4

Getting to Oxford Magistrates Court

Oxford Magistrates Court is centrally located in Oxford city centre, making it easily accessible by multiple forms of transport. The court sits within walking distance of Oxford city bus stops and approximately 10 minutes on foot from Oxford Railway Station.

By Train

Oxford Railway Station is served by Great Western Railway and Chiltern Railways, with direct services from London Paddington (approx. 55 minutes), Birmingham (approx. 1 hour), and Reading (approx. 25 minutes). From the station, walk south along Park End Street and Oxpens Road, then turn onto Speedwell Street — approximately a 12-minute walk.

By Bus

Multiple Oxfordshire bus routes serve central Oxford. The St Aldate's and Speedwell Street area is served by Stagecoach and Thames Travel services. The Oxford Bus Company's City and Brookes routes also pass nearby. Check Traveline South East for real-time timetables.

By Car

From the M40 Junction 8 or 9, follow the A40 or A34 into Oxford city centre. Due to Oxford's extensive pedestrianisation, vehicles should use the Redbridge Park & Ride or Seacourt Park & Ride and take a bus into the centre. On-street parking near the court is severely restricted. The nearest public car park is the Westgate Shopping Centre multi-storey.

By Bicycle

Oxford is one of the UK's most cycle-friendly cities. Cycle paths run throughout the city centre and secure cycle parking is available near the court building on Speedwell Street. The national Sustrans Cycle Route 5 passes through central Oxford.

How to Read the Oxford Magistrates Court Listings

Daily listings for Oxford Magistrates Court are published each weekday. Monday's listings are made available on the preceding Friday. Each published listing includes the defendant's full name, the prosecuting authority, the courtroom number, the listed hearing time, and the case reference number. Overnight custody cases and all proceedings involving children or young persons are excluded from public listings for legal and safeguarding reasons.

Listings are typically published in the afternoon for the following day's hearings. If a listing has not appeared by 5pm, it may be published later that evening or the following morning. Court schedules can change at short notice due to adjournments, guilty pleas, or case management decisions — always verify directly with the court if attending for a specific matter. You can also find listings for the nearby Oxford and South Oxfordshire Magistrates Court and check Oxford Crown Court listings for cases committed from the magistrates court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch a case at Oxford Magistrates Court?

Yes. Magistrates courts in England and Wales are open to the public unless the court specifically restricts access (e.g., for youth proceedings or sensitive cases). You may attend as a member of the public by simply arriving at the court and checking the daily list posted in the building for courtroom details. No prior booking is required for public gallery access.

What should I do if I've received a court summons for Oxford Magistrates Court?

Read your summons carefully — it will state the hearing date, time, and courtroom. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. You should bring your summons letter and any supporting documents. If you need legal representation, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau Oxford or a local solicitor. Duty solicitors are also available at the court on most sitting days.

How do I pay a fine linked to an Oxford Magistrates Court order?

Fines can be paid by calling 01869 853290 or 0300 790 9901, both available from 9am to 5pm. You can also pay online via the HMCTS fine payment portal using your case or fine reference number.

What is the Single Justice Procedure?

The Single Justice Procedure (SJP) allows a single magistrate to deal with minor summary offences — such as TV licence evasion or minor road traffic matters — without a court hearing. Defendants receive a postal request to plead guilty or not guilty. If you have queries about an SJP case, contact [email protected] or call 0300 303 0656.

Is Oxford Magistrates Court currently open?

Oxford Magistrates Court underwent a significant closure for essential building improvement works, including a roof replacement, in 2025–2026. It is advisable to confirm current operational status by contacting the court directly on 03308 084 407 before attending.