On Saturday, a group of Year 8 students attended the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial at South East Northumberland Law Courts in Bedlington. This is the fourth year that we have competed in the local heat and were winners in 2013 & 2014. We competed against teams from Dukes Middle, Seaton Sluice Middle, Whitley Bay High & Cramlington Learning Village.

Over 95% of criminal cases ( more than a million a year) are dealt with by magistrates, yet many people know very little about what they do. This competition that has been running annually since 1994, introduces the legal system to young people in an innovative and exciting way. In the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court staff, students prosecute and defend specially written criminal cases. This year it was the trial of Pat Taylor, accused of theft.

Out team compromising of Josh Wilson, Adam Williams, Helena Marley, Jessica Hawkins, Rosie Bowden, Olivia Carrick, Lauren Hodgson, Jack Simm, John McLean, Beth Lightley, Kate O Halloran, Olivia Henery, Pascale Brennan and Fay Bloodworth, were amazing. I was astounded by their knowledge and understanding of the legal system, their confidence in public speaking, their team work, their ability to develop an argument and their analytical skills. They did very well in both rounds where they took turns in defending and prosecuting. Whitley Bay High were the eventual winners and go through to the next round – well done and good luck to them!

A massive thank you to Mrs Michie and Mr Warner, who have worked with the children, throughout the process. I would also like to thank Kate and Carolyn, two local magistrates who also helped us to prepare the case. My last thank you is to the parents and carers who turned up on Saturday morning. I know that the children really appreciated this and showing to you their hard work.