STUDENTS from Warrington’s Priestley College took part in a courtroom drama at the town’s magistrates’ court.
Ten students pitted their wits against representatives from Barrow Hall College in the Mock Trial competition and took home the team trophy.
Stephanie Lynch won the individual award for her performance as a key prosecution witness.
Priestley law tutor Karen Clement-Smith said: “To win the trophy was a big achievement and for a Priestley student to be awarded the best individual performance was the icing on the cake.”
The students practised their skills at college before being given positions in the courtroom for a case based on domestic violence.
As the drama unfolded, the young people were able to put into practice their advocacy skills and their ability to face up to tough cross examination.
District Judge Bridget Knight praised Ashley Loftus who took on the role of the defendant, playing him as a distraught, much maligned and misunderstood father.
Ms Clement-Smith added: “A number of the team have expressed a keen interest in pursuing careers in Law and events like this allow them to get an early taste of the courtroom atmosphere.
“It was also an honour and valuable experience for them to meet legal professionals like District Judge Knight and magistrates like Tony Clark who organised the competition.”
Pictured: The students who took part – Holly Parker, David Dean, Laura Brown, Hollie Walsh, Jack Hampton, Ashley Loftus, Junior D’Agostino, Natalia Cebula, Stephanie Lynch, Chucks Ushieagu, with Judge Knight.
