Swindon Magistrates’ Court Listings

About Swindon Magistrates' Court

Swindon Magistrates' Court is located at Princes Street, Swindon, SN1 2JB, in the heart of Wiltshire's largest town. Originally opened on 21 April 1965 as the Courts of Justice, the building was designed by the borough architect to replace informal hearing venues that had served Swindon since the 19th century, including the Goddard Arms on the High Street and the Old Town Hall. Today, the court operates as the principal magistrates' venue for the Borough of Swindon and surrounding parts of north Wiltshire, handling a significant caseload of summary and either-way offences each week.

The court deals with criminal matters such as drink driving, common assault, theft, criminal damage, public order offences, harassment and motoring violations. It also processes single justice procedure cases, which cover low-level offences like TV licence evasion and minor road traffic charges decided by a single magistrate on paper. Bail applications, sentencing hearings and initial appearances for indictable offences are also listed here before more serious matters are committed to Swindon Crown Court at the Combined Court Centre on Islington Street.

Opening Hours and Contact Details

Swindon Magistrates' Court is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Telephone enquiries are answered between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on weekdays via the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0330 808 4407. For direct administrative queries, you can email [email protected]. Fine payment enquiries should be directed to 0300 123 9252, and the Witness Service can be reached on 0300 332 1355. If your case involves the Single Justice Procedure, contact the dedicated SJS line on 0300 303 0656.

Getting to Swindon Magistrates' Court

The court on Princes Street sits within central Swindon, a short walk from the main shopping district and Regent Circus. Swindon railway station is approximately 10 minutes on foot to the north-west, providing direct Great Western Railway services from London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff and Oxford. Several bus routes stop within a few minutes' walk — the nearest stop is Regent Circus, roughly 3 minutes away, served by routes including the 7, 51, 55, 82 and 99. There is no on-site car park, but paid public parking is available within 500 metres of the courthouse, including the Islington Street and Princes Street multi-storeys.

Facilities and Accessibility

Swindon Magistrates' Court provides disabled access throughout the building, including lifts and accessible toilet facilities. Assistance dogs are welcome, and a portable hearing enhancement system is available by prior arrangement — contact the court in advance to confirm your requirements. Interview rooms are available for private consultations with legal representatives, and the court also has prison video link facilities for remote hearings. Vending machines are on site, and baby-changing facilities are provided. If you have specific access needs, call 0330 808 4407 before your hearing date so the court can make suitable arrangements.

What to Expect on Your Court Day

When you arrive at Swindon Magistrates' Court, you will pass through a security screening before reporting to the reception desk with your name and case details. An usher will confirm whether your solicitor has arrived and direct you to the appropriate waiting area. Cases involving defendants held in custody are typically prioritised, so even if your hearing is listed for a specific time, you should be prepared for potential delays. Dress appropriately, ensure your mobile phone is switched off inside the courtroom, and bring any paperwork or correspondence from the court. If you are unsure which courtroom your case is listed in, check the daily court listings displayed in the building's lobby or consult our listings above for the latest schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cases are heard at Swindon Magistrates' Court?

Swindon Magistrates' Court primarily hears summary criminal offences including assault, theft, drink driving, drug possession, criminal damage and public order matters. It also handles bail hearings, sentencing for less serious offences, and first appearances for indictable cases before they are sent to Crown Court. Single justice procedure notices for offences like speeding and TV licence evasion are also processed here.

Where can I find today's court listings for Swindon?

Today's hearing schedule for Swindon Magistrates' Court is published at the top of this page and updated each working day. Listings include courtroom numbers, hearing times and case references to help you plan your visit.

Is there parking near Swindon Magistrates' Court?

There is no dedicated court car park, but several pay-and-display car parks operate within a short walk, including facilities on Islington Street and near the Brunel Centre. Blue badge parking bays are available in nearby public car parks. If you are travelling from further afield in Wiltshire, you may also wish to check listings for Salisbury Magistrates' Court to confirm the correct venue for your hearing.

Can I contact the court about my case by email?

Yes. General magistrates' court enquiries can be sent to [email protected]. For administrative matters relating to cases with a 10-digit reference number, use [email protected]. Single justice procedure queries should go to [email protected].