What are the penalties for possession of Class A drugs by a magistrates' court and by the Crown Court?

• A. Magistrates - 6 months/£5000; Crown - 7 years/£unlimited.
• B. Magistrates - 3 months/£1000; Crown - 5 years/£5000.
• C. Magistrates - 1 year/£2000; Crown - 10 years/£10000.
• D. Magistrates - 12 months/£2000; Crown - 15 years/£50000.

Answer: (A)

The penalties reflect two different court pathways for possession of Class A drugs: a more limited penalty in the magistrates’ court and significantly higher penalties in the Crown Court when the offence is dealt with on indictment. In the magistrates’ court, the offence is treated as a less serious matter, with a maximum of six months’ imprisonment and a fine up to £5,000. In the Crown Court, if the offence is tried on indictment, the penalties are much harsher: up to seven years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine. This structure explains why the correct penalties are six months with a £5,000 cap in the magistrates’ court and seven years with an unlimited fine in the Crown Court.