A Guide To Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court

Highbury Corner Magistrates Court deals with a wide range of adult criminal cases. Whilst less serious cases may be dealt with at Highbury Corner, more serious cases are sent to Wood Green or Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court primarily serves police stations in Islington, Holloway, Highbury, Wood Green, Tottenham, Edmonton, Enfield, Kentish Town and Holborn.

How to find out what court your hearing is at?

If you are prosecuted for a criminal offence, you will receive either a postal requisition or a charge sheet from the police.

A postal requisition, commonly known as a postal charge is a summons calling you to appear at the Magistrates Court because you have been charged with a criminal offence. This document will also provide further information regarding which court to attend, in addition to the time and date of the hearing. A charge sheet will notify you with the same information as a postal requisition.

When should I arrive at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court?

We recommend that you arrive at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court at least 45 minutes prior to the time given on your postal requisition, summons or charge sheet. This will allow you to go through security swiftly and make your way to the court room your case is being heard in.

There is usually a display board listing the cases for the day and the Courtroom number they will be heard in. At Highbury Corner the court list display board is on the ground floor oppose the lifts. Once you know which court room you are due to be in you should report to the relevant Court Usher in that court room If you do not have your own solicitor you will be offered consultation with the Duty Solicitor. This advice is free and independent of the Court.

What happens during the hearing?

When it is time for your case to be heard, you must enter the Court room and you will be directed where to stand by the Court Usher. The Court Clerk will then ask you to confirm your personal details, name, address and your date of birth.

How long will I have to wait?

Cases are heard in the order they are ready, not the order they appear on the list. Custody cases will be given priority. Monday is often the busiest day because there will be a lot of custody cases.

When your case is called into court, in most courtrooms you will sit in the open dock if you are on bail. If you are in custody you will be in the enclosed dock. If you have friends or family with you, they can sit in the public gallery.

Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court opening hours

The court’s opening hours are Monday to Friday: 8am to 4pm. The court counter is open for enquiries between 9am to 11am and 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Phone numbers:
Enquiries: 03308 084 407/0300 303 0645
Payments: 0300 123 9252 (fine queries)
0300 7909901 (to pay a fine)
Witness service: 0300 332 1225

Email addresses:
Enquiries: northlondonmc@justice.gov.uk
Payments: lccccollectionunit@hmcts.gsi.gov.uk
Citizen’s advice: highburycorner.mc@citizensadvice.org.uk

How to reach Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court

Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court is located at 51 Holloway Road, London, N7 8JA in the London Borough of Islington.

It’s possible to reach the Court on foot or by public transport. There are a number of bus stops which are located just outside the court, served by bus numbers 43, 263, 271, 393 and N41.

Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court is a five-walk away from Highbury & Islington Station. The underground station at Highbury and Islington is on the Victoria Line, and the over ground station is on the East London and North London lines.
Please note that there is no parking at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court. There are private car parks in the area, including Upper Street Car Park, but it is advised to use public transport, if possible.

What should you do when you arrive at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court for your hearing?

If you are represented by Hodge Jones & Allen, we will call you the day before your hearing to inform you of the court number. We will also agree to meet you before the hearing to discuss your case.

There are various meetings rooms at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, which we may be able to use to talk to you before your hearing starts. It may not be possible to know exactly which meeting rooms will be available until the day of the hearing.

What facilities are available at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court?

There are a variety of facilities available at HCMC including:

• Disabled access
• Baby changing facilities
• Interview rooms
• Consultation rooms
• Video facilities
• Loop hearing
• Toilets

If you would like to obtain legal representation at the Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court please call one of our Criminal Defence experts for a discussion about your options and the issues in your case. Call now on 0330 822 3451 or request a callback online.

The co-author of this blog is Tia Rajah, a Legal Clerk in the Crime Team.