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Charges for any offences may be included in the same file with the same Unique Reference Number (URN) if those charges:
(i) are founded on the same facts, or
(ii) form, or are a part of a series of, offences of the same or a similar character.
As a result, case files containing charges which are not linked in either of the ways mentioned above will need to be split into separate files, each
with a different URN.
2.4.3 Single Offender, Multiple Linked Offences
If the offences are based on the same facts, or form a series of offences of the same or similar character, they may be submitted as one file with a single URN.
Example: A defendant is charged with four offences, (a) possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply, and (b) three assaults (ABH). The prosecution case on the drugs matter was that when police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home address they discovered a large quantity of cannabis divided into wraps, plus pipes, scales and other ancillary items. During the course of the search the defendant assaulted three police officers.
Such a case may be submitted as one file with a single URN, as the offences are based on the same facts.
2.4.4 Single Offender Multiple Non-Linked Offences
If the offences have no link, either factually or being of the same or similar nature, they must be submitted as separate files, each with a different URN.
Example: A defendant is charged with four offences, (a) possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply, and (b) three assaults (ABH). The prosecution case on the drugs matter was that, when police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home address they discovered a large quantity of cannabis divided into wraps, plus pipes, scales and other ancillary items. The assaults are unconnected as they occurred some days earlier when the defendant was involved in a disturbance and was arrested for obstruction and assaulting police officers.
The offences are not founded on the same facts, nor are the offences of a similar character. Separate files, each with a different URN, should be submitted to deal with the different offences.
File 1: Drugs offence
File 2: Assaults (the 3 assaults may be submitted on one file as they are based on the same facts and form part of a series).
2.4.5 Subsequent Offences