On 1st September,  we were pleased to be invited to take part when Norfolk Courts held an Open Day for members of the public to gain a greater insight in how the Criminal Justice System works.

There were stalls manned by the Magistrates, Probation, Police, Prison Service, CPS and the defence (represented by some of MCP’s Criminal Law Team). There were also demonstrations provided by the courts into video-link procedures and prison sniffer dogs at work.

The highlight of the day was the mock trials presented by 2 local lawyers and then 2 sentencing exercises. Both defendants were played by members of our staff as were most of the lawyers. The first defendant played by a suited and booted Ty Bond was prosecuted by Ruth Johnson and defended by Alison Muir. The second defendant was a sobbing Kate D’Aloia prosecuted by Charlotte Winchester and defended by Andrew Cogan (another local solicitor).

The event was really popular with standing room only and the Presiding Judge HHJ Robinson expressed her gratitude to MCP for their efforts!!