A hearing in criminal proceedings required when the
defendant pleads guilty to an offence(s) but there is disagreement with the prosecution as to the material facts on which the defendant should be sentenced. This can occur when the accused pleads guilty on a specific basis that the prosecution does not accept.
During a newton hearing, evidence is called by both parties and the judge (sitting without a jury) or the magistrates decide the basis on which they will pass sentence. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution to satisfy the court beyond reasonable doubt that their version of events is correct.
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