The reference should be:
- preferably one page but no more than two
- neatly written or typed
- signed and dated

The reference should be addressed to:
- The Chief Clerk (if Crown Court proceedings)
- The Clerk to the Justices (if Magistrates’ Court proceedings)
The referee should include:
- their name and occupation
- how long they have known you
- how they know you
- their opinion of your character
- any examples of matters demonstrating your good character
- any other relevant matters

The referee should not include:
- their opinion of the appropriate sentence
- anything false or something they are not sure about
- anything they would not be happy seeing printed in a newspaper