38,682 files received by PPS in 2024/25, a decrease of 12.0% on 2023/24
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) present key statistics on the activity of the PPS including files received, caseloads and prosecutorial decisions.
Key findings:
- The PPS received a total of 38,682 files in 2023/24, a decrease of 12.0% on 2023/24 (43,977). Of these 38,682 files, 38,270 were received from Police.
- The majority of files received from Police were within two offence classifications 33.7% related to motoring offences offences (12,899) and 24.7% related to violence against the person (9,447). The classification ‘robbery’ saw the biggest decrease with a fall of 25.8% on the previous year.
- In addition to the files received from the PSNI, 413 files were submitted to PPS by government departments and agencies. Of these, 26.2% were received from the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, 18.4% were received from the Driver and Vehicle Agency, and 10.7% were received from the Department for Communities.
- A total of 45,222 prosecutorial decisions were issued by the PPS. The Test for Prosecution was met for 73.0% of cases which included 30,396 decisions for prosecution and 2,633 for diversion from the courts.
- Of the 12,193 decisions for no prosecution, the vast majority (97.5%) did not pass the evidential test. The remaining 2.5% did not pass the public interest test.
- There were 1,599 defendants dealt with in the Crown Court. This was a decrease of 2.8% on the previous financial year (1,645). The overall conviction rate in the Crown Court was 87.4%, compared with 87.0% in 2023/24.
- A total of 28,718 defendants were dealt with in the Magistrates’ and Youth Courts, a decrease of 5.0% on 2023/24 (30,219). The conviction rate in the Magistrates’ and Youth Courts was 79.0%, similar to 2023/24 (79.1%).
About the publication
This bulletin presents key statistics on the activity of the PPS including files received, caseloads and prosecutorial decisions. It also covers decision types, including reasons for no prosecution, and the outcomes of prosecutions at court. The statistics relate to the 2024/25 financial year and includes comparisons with previous years.
Further Information
View the full statistical release and related tables: Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland Statistical Bulletin 2024/25