Remand

When someone is held in custody while they wait for their trial or sentencing it’s called being on remand. A remand prisoner could be held in police cells, court cells, psychiatric facilities or in prison.

People on remand make up a significant proportion of the total number of people in prison. You can view statistics on the prison population on the Prison Statistics Page.

Remand prisoners

People on remand are kept separate from sentenced prisoners, in units or wings only for remand prisoners.

Any time spent on remand is taken off a person’s total sentence time.

Remand prisoners are assessed and may be given plans that identify areas they could benefit from during their time in prison, and could include learning skills such as parenting, managing money and basic living skills. Remand prisoners also receive help with addiction and finding employment.

Remand prisoners are also helped with their return to their community – such as help finding accommodation and community support.

Appearing at court

Some remand prisoners may be able to use an audio visual link to appear in court from prison so they don’t need to leave prison.