What is a pre-sentence report?
An officer of the probation service will interview you and compile the report. This may be on the day or you may have to attend a probation office on another day and then return to court at a later date. The type of report that we write about you depends on the seriousness of your offence, whether you have offended before and what the court wants to know. The most in depth report is known as a standard pre sentence report. The fast delivery report is less detailed.

If we write a standard pre sentence report this will be done within the time scale set by the courts, usually 15 days.

If you are remanded in custody we will either visit you in prison or interview you via video link.

If we write a fast delivery report, this will be done within five working days and, where possible, on the same day.

What is in the report?
We will ask you why you committed the offence, your feelings towards any victims and any mitigating factors. We will also look at whether there was any additional culpability, for example was the damage or violence inflicted more than was necessary or whether the victim was particularly vulnerable.

In compiling the report we will also look at the risk that you pose to others and your chances of re-offending. Once the report has been compiled it will be presented to the court. The police will not see the report but a copy will be provided for you and your defence solicitor.

What happens next?

Once the report has been presented to the court a sentence will be passed. This will be one of the following:

» Discharge 
» Fine 
» Community order 
» Custody

You will have no further involvement with the Probation Service if you receive a discharge or a fine.

Follow the links for more information on Community Orders and Custody.