Criminal Procedure Rules 2025 and Criminal Practice ...
...Before trial a defendant who has been arrested can be released under a legal duty to attend a police station or the next court hearing. This is called ?release on bail? or ?remand on bail?....
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/criminal-procedure-rules-2025-and-criminal-practice-directions-2023
Can a defendant refuse to take the stand UK?
...The 5th amendment guarantees any person accused of a crime the right to not take the witness stand in their own trial. If the defendant should chose to exercise that right the judge will remind the jury that not taking the stand is not an admission of guilt....
https://legalknowledgebase.com/can-a-defendant-refuse-to-take-the-stand-uk
House of Lords - Regina v Jones (On Appeal From The Court of ...
...Applying those principles to the appellant's case, the Court of Appeal held, at p 143, para 41: "This defendant, as it seems to us, had, clearly and expressly by his conduct, waived his right to be present and to be legally represented." The attractions of that robust approach are obvious....
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200102/ldjudgmt/jd020220/jones-2.htm
191. Presence of defendant. | (5) Hearings in General ...
...In general, a defendant has a right to be present and to be represented throughout his trial 1. However, a defendant may choose not to exercise those rights by voluntarily absenting himself, or by failing to instruct his lawyers to the extent that they cannot represent him adequately, and, in such circumstances, the court has discretion as to ......
https://www.lexisnexis.co.uk/legal/commentary/halsburys-laws-of-england/criminal-procedure/191-presence-of-defendant
What Are the Rights of Defendants During Court Proceedings?
...Can a defendant be tried without attending? Yes, in rare circumstances a trial can proceed in the defendant's absence, but this is generally exceptional and subject to procedure....
https://www.uklegalguides.com/what-are-the-rights-of-defendants-during-court-proceedings/
The Criminal Procedure Rules 2025 - Legislation.gov.uk
...Changes to legislation: The Criminal Procedure Rules 2025, Section 25.10 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 23 July 2026. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations....
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/909/rule/25.10
Legal Update: Revisiting trial in the absence of a defendant
...In most cases where the defendant claims to be unable to attend, a written explanation from a doctor will suffice as evidence that the defendant is unfit to attend, such that the hearing should be adjourned....
https://www.kingsleynapley.co.uk/our-insights/articles/legal-update-revisiting-trial-in-the-absence-of-a-defendant/