The Lord Justice General has issued a refreshed Practice Note on Pre-Intermediate Diet Meetings (PIDMs).

This updated Practice Note (No 3 of 2022) identifies PIDMs as a continuing feature of summary criminal proceedings as we move forward from the Covid pandemic. 

It aims to ensure that:  (i) meaningful communication takes place between defence agents and the Crown to resolve cases early; (ii) only those cases which cannot be resolved, and are ready to go to trial, proceed to the assigned trial diet and (iii) parties are present at an intermediate diet only when necessary.

In doing so, it emphasises the importance of thorough and effective preparation and meaningful engagement between defence agents and the Crown in advance of the intermediate diet. 

The new Practice Note refines the PIDM process and, in doing so, takes account of developments since its implementation in 2020, including the extension of access to the COPFS electronic booking system to the staff of defence agents. It also outlines the key areas for discussion at the PIDM, revises the details to be confirmed in the PIDM report to the court and updates the categories of cases which require to call at the intermediate diet or which may be dealt with administratively. 

The new Practice Note applies from 14 October 2022 and is available to view here.