Plymouth Magistrates’ Court Listings

Plymouth Magistrates' Court sits at the heart of the criminal justice system in Devon, handling hundreds of cases each week. Whether you are a defendant, legal professional, witness, or member of the public, keeping track of the daily court listings in Plymouth helps you stay informed about scheduled hearings, sentencing outcomes, and case progress. This page is updated regularly so you always have access to the most current Plymouth Magistrates' Court listings available.

About Plymouth Magistrates' Court

Plymouth Magistrates' Court is located at St Andrews Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DP — situated in the city centre, close to Plymouth's historic Barbican waterfront and the iconic Hoe. The court building serves the wider Plymouth area, including surrounding communities such as Plymstock, Plympton, Devonport, and the South Hams district. As one of the busiest magistrates' courts in the South West of England, it processes a significant volume of criminal, civil, and motoring cases every working day.

The court is administered by His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and operates as part of the Devon, Cornwall and Dorset court cluster. It plays a pivotal role in local justice, dealing with both summary-only offences and either-way offences that may be committed to Plymouth Crown Court for trial or sentencing.

What Cases Are Heard at Plymouth Magistrates' Court?

The court handles a broad range of criminal and civil matters that reflect the everyday legal needs of the Plymouth community. Types of cases regularly listed include:

• Summary offences — minor criminal matters such as motoring offences (drink driving, speeding, no insurance), low-level assault, and public order incidents
• Either-way offences — including theft, fraud, drug possession, and criminal damage, which can be heard at magistrates' level or sent to the Crown Court
• Remand and bail hearings — defendants appearing for the first time or awaiting trial
• Youth court cases — criminal matters involving defendants under 18 years of age
• Family and civil proceedings — including debt recovery, licensing matters, and council tax enforcement
• Single Justice Service (SJS) cases — TV licence, low-level road traffic, and similar offences dealt with by a single magistrate on the papers

Plymouth Magistrates' Court Listings: Opening Times & Contact Details

If you have a hearing scheduled or need to check the Plymouth Magistrates' Court case list, the court is open during the following hours:

• Court open: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
• Telephone enquiries: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5pm | Saturday, 8:30am – 2pm
• General enquiries phone: 0330 808 4407 (Crime Customer Service Centre)
• Listings email: [email protected]
• Crime enquiries email: [email protected]
• Fines and payments: 0300 123 9252
• Witness service: 0300 332 1000
• Single Justice Service: 0300 303 0656 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm)
• Video link bookings: 01752 677475 or email [email protected]

There is no counter service available at Plymouth Magistrates' Court. All general enquiries should be made by phone or email during the hours listed above. If you are attending for a hearing, arrive at the building and report to court staff on arrival.

Getting to Plymouth Magistrates' Court

Plymouth Magistrates' Court on St Andrews Street is easily accessible from across the city and surrounding Devon towns. The court sits within walking distance of Plymouth city centre's main transport hubs:

By Bus

The nearest bus stop is Royal Parade, Plymouth's main bus interchange, which is just a 3-minute walk from the court. Royal Parade is served by frequent bus routes connecting Plymouth to Plymstock, Plympton, Devonport, Saltash, and surrounding areas. First Bus and Plymouth Citybus operate the majority of services.

By Train

Plymouth Railway Station is approximately a 10–15 minute walk from the court and is served by Great Western Railway trains running to London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, and Penzance. From the station, you can also take a short bus journey via Royal Parade.

By Car

Plymouth city centre is accessible via the A38 (Devon Expressway) from the east and the A374 from the west. Several public car parks are available nearby, including the Drakes Circus multi-storey and the Mayflower Street car park. Blue Badge holders should check parking bays near St Andrews Street for accessible spaces.

Accessibility

If you have a disability and require assistance attending a hearing, call 0330 808 4407 in advance. The court can also arrange a video link booth for remote attendance — contact [email protected] with the subject heading "Video Link Booking" to arrange this.

Plymouth Magistrates' Court: A Local Perspective

Plymouth is one of England's largest coastal cities, with a proud naval and maritime heritage centred around Devonport Naval Base — the largest naval base in Western Europe. The city's population of over 260,000 makes it the largest urban area in the South West, and its magistrates' court reflects the diverse legal demands of a city that includes student communities from the University of Plymouth, a large service-sector workforce, and coastal and rural hinterlands extending into the South Hams and Dartmoor National Park.

The court's caseload regularly includes road traffic matters from the A38 and A374 corridors, anti-social behaviour from Plymouth city centre, and offences arising in and around Plymouth's busy Barbican and Union Street nighttime economy areas. Cases involving defendants from Torpoint, Saltash (Cornwall), and the wider Devon coast are also commonly listed at Plymouth, as the court serves as the primary magistrates' venue for the South West Plymouth court cluster. Serious matters are referred to Plymouth Crown Court, which sits separately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I find out if I am listed at Plymouth Magistrates' Court?

You can view daily Plymouth Magistrates' Court listings on this page, which is updated regularly. Alternatively, if you have been given a reference number, contact the Crime Customer Service Centre on 0330 808 4407 or email the court directly.

What is the difference between Plymouth Magistrates' Court and Plymouth Crown Court?

Plymouth Magistrates' Court deals with summary and lower-level either-way offences, tried by lay magistrates or a district judge. Plymouth Crown Court handles the most serious criminal cases — such as rape, serious assault, and large-scale fraud — tried before a judge and jury.

Can I attend Plymouth Magistrates' Court as a member of the public?

Yes. Magistrates' courts in England and Wales are, in principle, open to the public. You can attend hearings unless the court has made a specific order restricting access — which may occur in youth court cases or sensitive matters.

Is Plymouth Magistrates' Court open on Saturdays?

The court building is not routinely open on Saturdays. However, telephone enquiries are answered by the Crime Customer Service Centre on Saturdays between 8:30am and 2pm on 0330 808 4407.

How can I pay a fine issued at Plymouth Magistrates' Court?

Fines can be paid by calling 0300 123 9252. You can also make payments online through the HMCTS fines payment portal. If you have concerns about enforcement, contact the same number for assistance.