# The Criminal Procedure Rules 2025, Rule 6.10: Forfeiture of unauthorised sound recording

Extent: E+W

(1) This rule applies where someone without the court’s permission—
(a) uses a device for recording sound during a hearing; or
(b) publishes a sound recording made during a hearing.
(2) The court may exercise its power to forfeit the device or recording—
(a) on application by a party, or on its own initiative; and
(b) provisionally, despite rule 6.2(3), to allow time for representations.
(3) A party who wants the court to forfeit a device or recording must—
(a) apply as soon as reasonably practicable;
(b) notify—
(i) as appropriate, the person who used the device, or who published the recording, and
(ii) each other party; and
(c) explain why the court should exercise that power.
[Note. Under section 9(3) of the Contempt of Court Act 1981, the court can forfeit any device or recording used or made in contravention of section 9(1) of the Act.]

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/909/rule/6.10 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/criminal-procedure-rules-2025/rule-6.10
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.