Plea and trial preparation hearing (PTPH)

The first main hearing in the Crown Court, where you enter your plea and the judge sets a timetable and date for any trial.

The plea and trial preparation hearing (PTPH) is normally the first main hearing after a case is sent to the Crown Court, usually a few weeks after the first magistrates' court hearing. The Criminal Procedure Rules 2025 require the Crown Court to hold one. The charges on the indictment are read out and you are asked to plead guilty or not guilty to each. The judge must make sure it has been explained to you that you get credit for pleading guilty. If you plead guilty, the court may sentence you straight away or adjourn for a pre-sentence report. If you plead not guilty, the judge fixes a trial date and a timetable for the prosecution to serve its evidence and disclosure, and for the defence to serve a defence statement and identify witnesses. Defendants in custody often attend by video link.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.