[Shasown]

Originally Posted by Mifletz

If it does not go to trial, how long is it before all the details of the case become available on the public record: days, weeks, months or even years?

If he pleads Guilty, he will be remanded in custody until sentencing. At the sentencing hearing his defence team and himself will be given the opportunity to make a statement in mitigation, basically saying something in his defence.

If the judge has no reporting restrictions imposed on the sentencing, thats when what the police believe to have happened will come out. Bearing in mind he may have confessed all to the police sometime between initial arrest and the sentencing hearing.

The prosecution recap in court what the police and themselves believe to have occurred, the defence isnt allowed to challenge the prosecutions version. The defendant has at that time agreed to the prosecutions version by virtue of pleading guilty in the eyes of the law.

As for the accuracy of what is stated by the prosecution depends how long in advance they have had to interview him after he decided to plead guilty, co-operating with the police and CPS generally lightens any potential sentence.