Aim

To assist in the efficient and fair administration of justice by using psychological knowledge to inform the Courts and ensure that the needs of vulnerable people are understood.

Process

Consent

The instructing party (or lead Solicitor for joint instructions) needs to provide evidence that the person concerned understands and consents to the assessment, and consents to medical information being sought from their GP. The instructing party is responsible for providing relevant medical and legal documentation in a timely manner.

Assessment and reporting services

Peter provides independent psychological assessments for the Court in relation to young people or adults who are involved in Court procedures.

This includes providing detailed written reports to specific standards, attending Court and being cross-examined on psychological evidence when requested, and advising Solicitors or Counsel on psychological aspects of cases before they come to Court.

Services are offered in relation to criminal and civil proceedings, child care cases, tribunals, and discretionary lifer panels. Please note that Peter does not routinely offer services in personal injury claims.

Fees

Psychological assessment and report writing: £100 – £125/hour.

This includes analysis of medical and legal documentation, including video and audiotapes/CDs and DVDs; selection, administration, scoring and interpretation of psychological tests; research; and report writing.

Travel and accommodation are estimated and charged separately.

A typical psychological assessment and report may cost around £750 – £2500. Fees are estimated and agreed prior to acceptance of instructions. Payment is due within six weeks of the report being submitted.

Court stand-by and attendance: £500/day plus travel and accommodation expenses (if appropriate). Because of the way that Courts operate, it is not possible to offer a rate for less than a whole day. Peter charges for Court attendance if he is on stand-by, and does not receive instructions to stand down more than 24 hours before the hearing is due to take place.

Feedback

"I must thank you for your input as you have been superb. If I ever need expertise in this area again I will contact you without hesitation. You have been the best expert I have worked with to date." Solicitor for young man with ASD and learning difficulties, November 2006

"I should tell you that there was much discussion as to which expert should be instructed in this matter but it was felt that with your particular expertise you would be the best person." Solicitor for parent with Asperger syndrome in civil dispute, December 2007

"Thanks Peter. I thought that might be your conclusion but we felt that with such a serious charge, we had to explore all avenues." Barrister for young man with learning difficulties, January 2007

"I write with excellent news. Having considered your report, the Crown Prosecution Service has indicated that the case against [name] will be discontinued … Once again, I thank you for your sterling work." Solicitor for young man with learning difficulties, July 2008

"First of all may I thank you on behalf of [name] for your considerable assistance in this case. You are to be complimented on the professional manner in which you presented the case and your findings." Solicitor for adult with Asperger syndrome, October 1997

"Thank you for your report, which was most helpful and which was used at the sentencing … thankfully, in the light of your report, [name] was sentenced to a 2 year Community Punishment and Rehabilitation Order." Solicitor for young man with ASD and learning difficulties, May 2005

"[name] received a two year community rehabilitation and punishment order … The judge (with our permission) gave the probation service a copy of your report so they could tailor the order to best suit his needs … Without your report, [name] would have gone to prison for 18 months, even the judge said prison would kill him. I think the world is a better place with him in it." Parent of young man with ASD and learning difficulties, May 2005