Open day at Sedgemoor Magistrates Court (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Open day at Sedgemoor Magistrates Court

3:19pm Wednesday 1st September 2010 in

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Bridgwater magistrates are hoping to see you in court this Saturday.

The Sedgemoor Bench Magistrates in the Community project panel is hosting a special community open day as part of a series of heritage days.

Hugh Mackay JP, of the Sedgemoor Bench, said: “The general public will be able to join conducted tours of the building, including the three courts and the holding cells, and see and take part in mock trials and mock sentencing exercises.

“Several other agencies and organisations that work within the judicial system have volunteered to take part, including Reliance Ltd, Her Majesty's Court Service staff, and local magistrates.”

The courthouse in Northgate (pictured) dates from 1911 and opens most weekdays to the public - except for youth and family court hearings - although it is under threat from closure following a new Government cost-cutting drive.

The MIC project aims to raise awareness in the community of the magistracy system and in turn increase respect and confidence in the criminal justice system.

Mr Mackay added: “Many people are unaware that in Sedgemoor there are 56 unpaid lay magistrates drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, who sit usually in benches of three for a minimum of 26 half-days annually, five days per week in Bridgwater.

“Magistrates' courts deal fully with 95% of all criminal cases in England and Wales, such as careless driving, shoplifting and assault, as well as environment and wildlife crime and fine enforcement.

“All criminal cases start out in magistrates' courts, but the most serious, such as rape and murder, are immediately referred to the crown court.”

The open day will take place from 10am until 2pm, not 4pm as reported in Tuesday's Mercury.