How to use the Pre-Recorded Evidence (PRE) service
Guidance for defence and prosecution professionals on using the PRE service to view pre-recorded cross examination evidence before trial.
- From:
- HM Courts & Tribunals Service
- Published
- 6 September 2024
- Last updated
- 16 June 2025 — See all updates
Applies to England and Wales
Documents
Details
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.
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.
You will need to register for an account before being able to view pre-recorded video evidence on the PRE service.
Once you have registered and your account has been activated, see our guide on how you can start accessing recordings in the PRE service.
Get help and guidance
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
Updates to this page
Published 6 September 2024
Last updated 16 June 2025
href="#full-history">+ show all updates
-
Removed the content about the pilot as the service is now live in all crown courts
-
First published.
Sign up for emails or print this page
Details
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.
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.
You will need to register for an account before being able to view pre-recorded video evidence on the PRE service.
Once you have registered and your account has been activated, see our guide on how you can start accessing recordings in the PRE service.
Get help and guidance
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
Updates to this page
-
Removed the content about the pilot as the service is now live in all crown courts
-
First published.
Sign up for emails or print this page
Update history
2026-09-14 15:14
Added updated screenshots to both guides.
2025-06-16 00:01
Removed the content about the pilot as the service is now live in all crown courts
2024-09-06 08:53
First published.