PTPH Hearing Bundle: What to Include and How to Prepare

Author: Stevie Hayes | Last updated: March 2026

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Quick Answer

The Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH) is the first substantive hearing in the Crown Court after a case is sent from the magistrates' court. The PTPH bundle should include the completed Better Case Management (BCM) form, the indictment, prosecution case summary, Defence Case Statement (if ready), any applications, and details of trial readiness. The hearing is governed by the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020 and the Better Case Management initiative. Proper preparation for the PTPH is critical — an ineffective hearing can delay your trial by months.

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Introduction

The Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing replaced the old Plea and Case Management Hearing (PCMH) as part of the Better Case Management reforms introduced in 2016. The underlying purpose has not changed: to ensure that Crown Court cases are properly managed from the earliest opportunity, that the defendant enters a plea, and that the court gives directions to bring the case to trial without unnecessary delay.

In the context of a Crown Court backlog that reached record levels through 2024 and 2025, with average waiting times exceeding 19 months in some court centres, the PTPH has become more important than ever. Judges have limited patience for hearings that are wasted because the defence or prosecution is not properly prepared. An advocate who turns up without proper instructions, without the BCM form completed, or without having engaged with the prosecution evidence, risks a wasted costs order and — more importantly — a delay that prejudices the client.

This article explains what the PTPH involves, what documents you need, and how to prepare effectively.

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What Is the PTPH?

The Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing is typically the first hearing in the Crown Court after a case has been sent under section 51 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. It serves several purposes:

1. Arraignment — The defendant is formally asked to plead guilty or not guilty to each count on the indictment
2. Case management — The court identifies the real issues, gives directions for trial preparation, and sets a timetable
3. Trial listing — A trial date (or trial window) is fixed
4. Applications — Any preliminary applications (e.g., bad character, hearsay, abuse of process) are identified and timetabled

The PTPH is intended to be an effective hearing. The Better Case Management initiative emphasises that the first hearing should, wherever possible, be the last hearing before trial.

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The Better Case Management Form

What Is It?

The BCM form is the standardised case management document used at the PTPH. It is completed in sections by the prosecution, defence, and court, and captures all the information needed for effective case management.

The form covers:

Completing the BCM Form

The prosecution section should be completed first and served on the defence in advance of the hearing. The defence section must then be completed before the PTPH. In practice, both sides are expected to have engaged with each other before the hearing so that the form reflects an agreed — or at least informed — position.

Courts are increasingly strict about late or incomplete forms. The Criminal Practice Directions state that the BCM form must be completed accurately and in advance of the hearing. An advocate who arrives without a completed form is likely to face judicial criticism and, in serious cases, a wasted costs order.

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What Documents to Include in Your PTPH Bundle

Essential Documents

The following documents should be assembled and available at the PTPH:

1. The Indictment

The formal document setting out the charges. By the time of the PTPH, the indictment should have been preferred (filed at court). Check that it accurately reflects the charges — errors in the indictment can cause significant problems later.

2. Prosecution Case Summary

A narrative summary of the prosecution case, typically prepared by the CPS. This should be concise but comprehensive enough to inform the court of the factual basis of the prosecution.

3. Prosecution Evidence

The key prosecution evidence should be available, including:

• Witness statements (section 9 statements)
• Exhibits and exhibit schedules
• CCTV or digital evidence summaries
• Expert reports (forensic, medical, digital)
• Interview transcripts or summaries

4. Unused Material Schedule

The prosecution's schedule of non-sensitive unused material, served as part of primary disclosure. The defence should have reviewed this and identified any items requiring inspection or disclosure.

5. Defence Case Statement (If Ready)

The DCS is not always ready by the time of the PTPH — the 28-day deadline runs from prosecution disclosure, which may not have been completed. However, if the DCS is ready, it should be included. If it is not, the timetable for service should be agreed.

6. Previous Convictions

The defendant's antecedent history, as held by the prosecution. This is relevant to bail applications, bad character applications, and — if the defendant pleads guilty — sentencing.

7. Applications

Any applications that need to be made or timetabled should be identified in writing:

• Bad character applications (section 101, Criminal Justice Act 2003)
• Hearsay applications (section 114, Criminal Justice Act 2003)
• Applications to exclude evidence (section 78, PACE 1984)
• Abuse of process arguments
• Special measures applications for vulnerable witnesses

8. Completed BCM Form

The fully completed Better Case Management form, with both prosecution and defence sections filled in.

Additional Documents (Where Applicable)

• Basis of plea — If the defendant intends to plead guilty, a written basis of plea should be prepared and agreed with the prosecution where possible
• Medical evidence — If the defendant has health issues affecting trial fitness, custody, or sentencing
• Bail variation applications — Any applications to vary bail conditions
• Legal aid documentation — Representation orders and any issues with funding

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How to Prepare for the PTPH

Before the Hearing

Preparation for an effective PTPH begins well before the hearing date:

1. Take Full Instructions

The defendant must be in a position to enter a plea. This means the advocate must have taken full instructions on the evidence, discussed the charges, and obtained clear instructions on plea. An advocate who cannot take a plea because the client "hasn't had time to consider the evidence" will receive short shrift from most Crown Court judges.

2. Review All Prosecution Evidence

Read every witness statement. Watch the CCTV. Read the forensic reports. You cannot complete the BCM form or advise on plea without knowing what the prosecution's case actually is.

3. Engage with the Prosecution

Contact the CPS or prosecution counsel to:

• Clarify any ambiguities in the evidence
• Discuss the basis of plea (if a guilty plea is being considered)
• Agree or narrow the issues for trial
• Identify any outstanding disclosure

4. Identify the Issues

Before the hearing, you should be able to articulate clearly what the real issues are. Is this a case about identification? Intent? Self-defence? Credibility? The court will ask, and you need to answer.

5. Prepare a Realistic Time Estimate

Discuss the trial estimate with the prosecution. Courts rely on accurate time estimates to manage their listing. An underestimate leads to part-heard trials; an overestimate wastes court time.

Organising Your Documents

Criminal case papers can quickly become unwieldy, particularly in multi-defendant or document-heavy cases. Having a structured, indexed set of documents — rather than loose papers or unsorted PDFs — makes the PTPH more efficient and demonstrates professional preparation.

BundleCreator.co enables you to compile your case documents into a single, paginated, and indexed PDF bundle. Whether you are organising prosecution evidence for review, assembling defence materials, or preparing a bundle of authorities, having everything in one navigable document saves time and reduces the risk of missing something important. Try it free for 14 days.

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The Hearing Itself

Arraignment

The defendant is asked to plead to each count on the indictment. The possible outcomes are:

• Guilty plea — The case proceeds to sentencing (which may be adjourned for a pre-sentence report)
• Not guilty plea — The case is listed for trial and directions are given
• Mixed pleas — Some counts guilty, some not guilty. The prosecution must decide whether to accept the pleas offered or proceed to trial on the remaining counts
• No plea — In exceptional circumstances, the defendant may be unable to enter a plea (e.g., fitness to plead issues). The court will give directions for a fitness hearing

Case Management Directions

If the case is proceeding to trial, the court will give directions covering:

• Timetable for Defence Case Statement
• Service of any additional prosecution evidence
• Defence witness requirements — Number and availability
• Expert evidence — Whether expert evidence is agreed or disputed
• Admissions — Whether any facts can be formally admitted under section 10 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967
• Applications timetable — Dates for any pre-trial applications
• Trial date — A fixed date or trial window

Basis of Plea

If the defendant pleads guilty, a written basis of plea is often required. This document sets out the factual basis on which the defendant admits guilt. It matters because:

• The sentencing judge will sentence on the basis of the facts as found or agreed
• If the prosecution does not accept the basis of plea, a Newton hearing may be required to determine the disputed facts
• The basis of plea may affect the sentencing category under the Sentencing Council guidelines

A basis of plea should be:

• Clear and specific about what is admitted
• Consistent with the plea entered
• Served on the prosecution in advance for agreement or challenge
• Signed by the defendant

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What Happens If the PTPH Is Ineffective?

An ineffective PTPH wastes court time and delays the trial. Common causes of ineffective PTPHs include:

Under the Criminal Procedure Rules, all parties have a duty to assist the court in furthering the overriding objective. An advocate who causes a PTPH to be ineffective is in breach of that duty.

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After the PTPH

Compliance with Directions

Following the PTPH, both parties must comply with the directions given by the court. These are orders, not suggestions. Failure to comply can result in:

• Evidence being excluded
• Witnesses being refused permission to give evidence
• Adverse inferences
• Wasted costs orders
• In extreme cases, the case being struck out or stayed

Ongoing Case Management

Some Crown Court centres hold further case management hearings (sometimes called "mention hearings") between the PTPH and trial. These are used to check compliance with directions and resolve any issues that have arisen. Not all courts use them — it depends on the practice of the resident judge and the complexity of the case.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after committal does the PTPH take place?

The PTPH is typically listed within 28 days of the case being sent to the Crown Court. In practice, listing delays mean it may take longer — but the court aims to hold the PTPH as soon as possible after the case arrives.

Can I adjourn the PTPH?

Only in exceptional circumstances, and usually only with the court's permission. Courts are resistant to adjourning PTPHs because delay in the Crown Court is already significant. If you need more time, apply early with proper reasons.

What if I have not received prosecution disclosure before the PTPH?

This is a common problem. If the prosecution has not served its evidence or primary disclosure, raise this at the PTPH. The court will give directions for service and may set a further hearing to check compliance. The failure is the prosecution's, but the defence must be proactive in chasing disclosure and raising it with the court.

Do I need a physical bundle for the PTPH?

It depends on the court. Many Crown Court centres now use the Common Platform digital system and accept electronic bundles. Some still expect paper copies. Check the listing directions and the practice of the specific court centre. Whether you are preparing a digital or physical bundle, having your documents properly organised and indexed will make the hearing more efficient.

What happens if I plead guilty at the PTPH?

If you plead guilty, the court will either proceed to sentencing immediately or — more commonly — adjourn for a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the Probation Service. The adjournment is typically 3-4 weeks. A sentencing hearing bundle should be prepared in the meantime.

Can BundleCreator help me prepare for the PTPH?

Absolutely. BundleCreator.co allows you to compile all your PTPH documents — prosecution evidence, defence materials, the BCM form, applications — into a single paginated and indexed PDF. This is particularly useful for multi-defendant cases or cases with substantial documentary evidence. Start your free trial.

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Further Reading

• Criminal Procedure Rules 2020 (SI 2020/759) — The governing procedural rules for criminal courts
• Criminal Practice Directions 2023 — Supplementary directions from the Lord Chief Justice
• Better Case Management Handbook — Guidance on effective case management in the Crown Court
• Criminal Court Bundle: Complete Preparation Guide — Overview of criminal bundle preparation across all hearing types
• How to Prepare a Defence Case Statement — Drafting an effective DCS under CPIA 1996
• Preparing a Sentencing Hearing Bundle — Mitigation and supporting evidence for sentencing

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This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Criminal law and procedure in England and Wales are subject to frequent amendment. Always refer to the current version of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020, the Criminal Practice Directions 2023, and any specific directions given by the court in your case. If you are facing criminal proceedings, seek advice from a qualified criminal law solicitor or barrister as soon as possible. Legal aid may be available through the Criminal Defence Service.

BundleCreator.co helps litigants in person and legal professionals organise their case documents into structured, compliant bundles. Start your free trial today.