Notice of Decision by PPS

[WickedLazy]

My ex assaulted me recently. He was arrested for ABH, released on police bail conditions, and was up in court last week. A relative of his was able to tell me he's back in court in 2 weeks, but no details.

I just received a "Notice of Decision".

"Offence: Assault occasioning actual bodily harm Decision: Prosecution"

I understand this means the charges weren't dropped, but does that just mean he's to go back to court again, for the "trial"?

When I skimmed the letter at first I thought it meant he had pleaded guilty, and he would be going back to be sentenced, but quickly realised that's probably not the case, and I'd just got my hopes up.

Can anyone clarify this for me?

If he pleads not guilty, and I've to go to court, how much notice will they give me? Do I need my solicitor to go with me? (He's on holiday this week so can't ask him).

Can't wait for this all to be over.

My solicitor's on holiday that is, not my ex.

No you don't need your solicitor for his criminal trial.

Victim support / witness support should be able to help with timescales.

He hasn't yet entered a plea either way, he won't do that until at least the first court appearance, and possibly later.

So he could submit his plea in two weeks, when he's back in court, or possibly later. So he'll be in court twice more at least? I was told this could take months, victim support were the ones who updated me

If he enters a guilty plea in two weeks the likelihood is that sentencing will be adjourned so the probation service can meet with him, have a chat to him and recommend to the magistrate or judge what sentence they believe would best serve the public interest. It depends on how busy the court is but it could be a few weeks later.

If he pleads not guilty then they may set a trial date for some point in the future. It could be months away. Before then, there is also likely to be some kind of case management hearing for housekeeping purposes. He will probably not need to attend that.

If there's no plea entered then the case will progress similarly to if he's pleaded not guilty with the assumption that there will be a trial.