Intermediate diet

An intermediate diet is a hearing in a summary case, before the trial date, to check whether the trial is ready to go ahead.

The intermediate diet takes place in summary cases where the accused has pleaded not guilty, usually a few weeks before the trial. The court asks the prosecutor and the defence whether they are ready, whether witnesses are available and whether any evidence can be agreed, so that witnesses are not brought to court for a trial that will not go ahead. The accused is normally expected to attend unless excused by the court. Many cases are resolved at this stage, for example by a guilty plea to some or all charges, or by the prosecutor dropping charges. If the case is not ready, the trial date can be changed. Failing to attend without a reasonable excuse can lead to a warrant for arrest.

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