Courting curiosity

Published on 14th September 2006 in News

Last Saturday Goole Magistrates' Court held its first public open day since the court was built in 1888.

Around 300 members of the public were welcomed into the court building by magistrates serving the local community. They were shown the court room and many historical items relating to the building. Also on display were many reported cases heard in the court over the last 100 years, including the notes of evidence relating to the Beatle George Harrison, who made an appearance at Goole court in 1963 for driving without due care and attention.

The public were also given the opportunity to speak to the Crown Prosecution Service, National Probation Service for Humberside, H.M. Courts Service and the Police, who are member agencies of the Humberside Criminal Justice Board (HCJB). HCJB is one of 42 boards established in the UK in 2003. The task of these boards is to co-ordinate activity and share responsibility for delivering criminal justice. The East Riding Criminal Justice Group aims to address issues at local level for the people of Goole and surrounding area.

Many people attending took the opportunity to stand in the dock and then be taken down to the police cells, where they were given the chance of having their fingerprints taken electronically. The police also had many volunteers wishing to have their breath tested in relation to the level of alcohol. Fortunately, there were no arrests!

The police also allowed the public to try on the various police uniforms on display.

Members of the public also had an insight to what it is like to be locked in a prison cell with the 'Prison, me - no way' portable prison cell.

In the afternoon the Humberside Police Dog section put on a display in the court room when Andy Skinner and his dog 'Dylan' searched the premises for illegal material.

The day concluded with a mock trial performed by magistrates to a packed court room. Two 'new magistrates' from the audience were sworn in for the day and the public were asked to decide whether the defendant was guilty or not guilty. After much discussion and debate the public were divided on their decision, showing how difficult it sometimes is for magistrates to reach a verdict. In the end it was one of not guilty.

Mr Neil Marquis, Principal Legal Adviser and organiser of the event, was pleased with the turnout. He said: "It was nice to see so many people interested in the building and the criminal justice system. It was great to see all the local criminal justice agencies working together for the benefit of the community."