Dear Colleague,

We offer remand cover for the next week as follows:

Croydon Magistrates now deals with cases from the original Police stations for that court, Croydon and Sutton, and all cases originating from what was Camberwell's jurisdiction - that is Brixton and Walworth. The cases will usually be heard in separate courts - one for 'Camberwell' matters and one for 'Croydon' matters. Bruce will generally cover Camberwell cases and Nick will cover Croydon matters, although according to workload we will sometimes swap cases to even things out. The Youth Court cases will be dealt with by either one of us.

Please initially contact either of us according to whichever police station your client was arrested at - we work closely together but it will mean you get a swifter response that way.

CROYDON:-

''Camberwell cases' – Monday to Friday - BRUCE REID – 07710 024 772 brucerzzz@gmail.com

'Croydon cases'' – Monday to Friday - NICK ROBINSHAW - 07767 - 657 407 – nickrobinshaw@gmail.com

WIMBLEDON – Monday to Friday - ROS OLLESON – 07951 242 693 rolleson@talk21.com

As may be expected Croydon is currently chaotic with the results of the amalgamation. We cannot emphasise too strongly the need to file a date stamped Legal Aid application as soon as you are aware of the need to represent your client. This prevents unseemly disputes with colleagues which we much prefer to avoid. Clients frequently panic on the day and seek the Duty Solicitor when on reflection thay would far prefer their 'home' firm - given the current difficulties in arranging a transfer this is becoming increasingly important. As a matter of course we will have a Declaration signed and returned to you but this approach saves time and effort.

We generally charge £50 per hearing, although we reserve the right to charge an additional fee in cases where there is greater difficulty - this will be rare. Trials, private instructions and S36/39 hearings by arrangement. We can assist with Duty Solicitor swaps/cover subject to LAA Contract Compliance, please contact us individually for each particular Court. Our voicemail message will always confirm whether we are at that Court.

Contact us by either email, text or phone but the first two can be delayed, critical when you need us to see an overnight client quickly before they go elsewhere. Telephone contact ensures that we can confirm that we can act and that we can respond as swiftly as needed.

Best Wishes,

Bruce