Central Criminal Court
Crown Court centre in London that tries major criminal cases.
The two men charged over RAF Fairford on 27 October 2026 appeared first at Westminster Magistrates' Court. If the case reaches trial, the Old Bailey usually hears state-threat cases; a jury there convicted three men over the Wagner-ordered Leyton arson.
Last refreshed: 29 October 2026
Timeline for Central Criminal Court
Mentioned in: CPS charges two men over RAF Fairford
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The Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey after the street it stands on, is the Crown Court centre in the City of London. It tries the most serious criminal cases from Greater London, and trials can be moved there from elsewhere in England and Wales. Its senior permanent judge is the Recorder of London.
It hears most UK terrorism and state-threat trials. Cases begin in a magistrates' court and are sent to the Crown Court for trial; the Old Bailey takes the heaviest.
In July 2025 a jury there convicted three men over the Leyton warehouse arson, one of the first cases under the National Security Act 2023.
The Fairford defendants charged on 27 October 2026 stand charged, not convicted; one was remanded in custody and the other bailed to a date in November.
What is the Old Bailey?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 29 October 2026. Editorial standards.