Pre-Recorded Evidence (PRE): registration for legal professionals
Register for the PRE service to view recordings of pre-recorded evidence before trial.
Applies to England and Wales
About the Pre-Recorded Evidence service
The Pre-Recorded Evidence (PRE) service is an HMCTS-owned and managed platform that allows you to view recordings of pre-recorded cross-examination evidence before a criminal trial.
The PRE service will replace existing third-party contracts to provide for Section 28 of the Youth and Criminal Justice Act pre-recorded evidence (PRE) special measure.
Court staff can use the service to book and make the recording. You will be able to book a recording on the day – you will no longer need to give 24 hours’ notice.
When you can use the PRE service
This service is in a pilot phase with selected courts. It will be available to defence and prosecution representatives in cases across England and Wales in 2025.
You can register for the service now, however you will only be able to use it to access evidence for hearings held at:
- Durham Crown Court
- Exeter Crown Court
- Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court
- Leeds Crown Court
- Leeds Youth Court
- Liverpool Crown Court
- Mold Crown Court
- Nottingham Crown Court
- Reading Crown Court
As a defence or prosecution professional, you will need to register for an account before being able to view pre-recorded video evidence on the PRE service.
The court will tell you if the PRE service is being used in a case you’re involved with. You will also receive updates about the service from the Bar Council and Criminal Bar Association.
Access a recording
Once you have registered and activated your account, you can start accessing recordings in the PRE service. The guide also includes information on booking and managing recordings.
How to register
To register for the PRE service, you must email the Courts and Tribunals Service Centres (CTSC) and provide your:
- first and last name
- individual secure email address (non-CJSM)
- mobile telephone number
- name and role of your company or chambers
Email: contactcrime@justice.gov.uk
What happens next
Once we have processed your information and approved your account, we will email you an invitation to register.
The email will include the registration instructions. You will need to enter your email address to receive a verification code and then create a password.
Get help and guidance
Find guidance on activating your account and using the PRE service
Contact the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre (CTSC) if you need further help with:
- registering with PRE
- using PRE once you have registered
- accessing your account
- getting a unique reference number for a case
- booking a recording
Telephone: 0300 323 0194
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm
Saturday, 8am to 2pm
Closed on Sundays and bank holidays
Find out about call charges
Email: contactcrime@justice.gov.uk