CAMDEN PUPILS BECOME JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER

30/11/07

CAMDEN’S council business will be wiped from the agenda when the council chamber transforms into a courtroom and police borough commander Mark Heath takes the stand for Inside Justice Week.

Dramatic court scenes will unfold at Camden Town Hall on Friday November 9 when it’s converted into a mock court and Camden pupils turn judge.

The borough commander will see himself on the other side of the law when he stands accused of harassing the young people of Camden by inappropriate use of stop and search.

A second trial will see Ally Fortune, aka a Camden community safety officer, charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply to pupils at a Camden school.

In addition, returning to court for sentencing will be fictional characters Kil Burns, Fitz John and Lee Haverstock.

The court system can be a confusing process for all those involved, whether as a defendant, witness or victim. Those affected by crime sometimes do not understand how sentences are imposed or why offenders receive the types of sentences that are imposed by the courts.

As part of Inside Justice Week (3-10 November 2007), Camden and Islington Councils are holding a joint programme of events based around young people, crime, life choices and support.

A series of workshops will be run at secondary schools across the borough where discussions will be held about domestic violence, knife crime, peer pressure, life choices and the support and advice available. This will culminate in an art-based project around these themes, which will be displayed at Camden Town Hall and Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.

In addition to the mock court in the council chamber, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court is having an open day on Saturday, November 10 between 10am and 4pm. Activities will include mock trials, finger printing, and tours of the building and cells.

Cllr Ben Rawlings, Camden Council’s executive member for community safety, said:

"There is no better way to understand how something works than to actually do it yourself. Although there is a fun side to the event, there’s also a serious side about making the right life choices. These activities will give young people in Camden an opportunity to really get to grips with how the court system works, giving them a better understanding of how the law works, what their rights are and the consequences of breaking the law.”

Mark Heath, Camden police borough commander, said:

“While we’re trying to make this an interesting and fun event for young people, there are serious issues behind it as we’re trying to improve young people’s understanding of the criminal justice system so they make better life choices.”

William McGarvie, Head of Camden and Islington Witness Service, said:

“This event will allow all parties to focus on prevention and support methods for young people who find themselves at risk of being in the criminal justice system. It’s all about giving people choices to try and turn their lives around and change for the better.”

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