The Court

The first court you will probably be required to attend would be a Magistrates Court. Now this is a bit weird as a magistrates Court can’t actually hear a case of a certain nature and if it’s anything too serious it has to go to a Crown Court. A waste of time you may think but that’s the ‘system’

At Crown Court you may attend a couple of times (running the Media gauntlet each time possibly), sometimes just to get the formality started, or to ask the Police for the papers in the case (the Investigation Team were given over 6 weeks or thereabouts to get the papers to us – you would have thought it would have all been done really, after all they have had weeks if not months to do it). In the end we got the paperwork one day before the deadline, even though the Judge had asked for it to be expedited. Also the paperwork didn’t come with the summary.

The Defendants Box can seem a lonely place but focus on the judge; they are in control of the court or look at your legal team and supporters (and yes I would recommend taking them along).

If you are asked any questions by the CPS or your legal team address your answers to the Judge. The Clerk of the court, usually sits in front of the judge also has some control over the court, asking them to ‘rise’ if the judge is entering or leaving.

There will usually be a Public Gallery, don’t forget the ‘victims’ family and friends could also be there so try and keep your focus on the Judge. Also the Media have a box and they will be sat writing notes (or texting – maybe that’s why they made so many mistakes in our case so far, nobody could read txt spk)?!

Remember the media cannot take pictures inside or on the steps, if you see them do this point it out to the Court Security Staff or Police. Always take their details of the Officers or staff dealing.

Other courts you may have to or could attend include a Coroners Court or a Court of Appeal.