What characterizes an 'indictable only' offence?

An 'indictable only' offence is characterized by being a serious crime that must be heard by a Crown Court. Such offences are more severe in nature and cannot be dealt with in a Magistrates’ Court. When an indictable only offence is committed, it may first appear before a magistrate solely for procedural purposes, such as confirming the charge and remanding the defendant, but ultimately, the case is transferred to the Crown Court for trial.

This classification emphasizes the serious nature of the crime, where significant penalties may be imposed, which is not the case with minor offences. The other options incorrectly characterize the nature and handling of indictable offences, as none of them reflect the requisite severity or procedural requirements associated with crimes classified as indictable only.