[2012] NICA 36

Where discussions took place in chambers between a trial judge and the parties in relation to sentence, it remained vital that it should either be recorded or a note of the discussion prepared at the time or shortly thereafter by the judge. Such a course ensured that the public were reassured about the principle of open justice and the court was made aware of all the circumstances surrounding a pragmatic plea.

CA (Crim Div) (NI) (Morgan LCJ, Higgins LJ, Coghlin LJ)

24/09/2012