What happens when a defendant pleads guilty in the criminal courts of England and Wales? 

If an offender pleads guilty in the criminal courts of England and Wales, they will receive a discount on their sentence. The earlier they plead guilty, the greater the reduction. This is because an early guilty plea spares victims and witnesses the stress and anxiety of a trial. It also helps to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system by allowing police, prosecutors and courts to focus on other cases. Find out more on the Sentencing Council website: www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk