BASILDON COMBINED COURT HOLDS ITS FIRST OPEN DAY ON 16/03/02

28 Feb 2002 11:14 AM

Basildon Combined Court is opening its doors to the public on Saturday 16 March from 10am to 3pm (latest entry 2.30pm).

Resident Judge, His Honour Judge Clegg, said: "The aim of the open day is to allow the public to experience how the Crown and County Courts operate, to encourage public participation and to allow the public to ask questions of the Judges, court staff and other people involved in the justice system.

"I hope the day will demystify the work of the Courts and help those who may have to attend the Court in some capacity in the future. I also hope it will provide the public with an interesting day out."

There will be tours of the Court building, where members of the public will be shown the courtrooms, cells and a prison van. Visitors will also be able participate in mock sentencing exercises and bail applications involving Judges, barristers and court staff.

Visitors will also get a chance to meet and question a Circuit and District Judge who will give talks on their roles and
responsibilities and there will be an opportunity to talk to local magistrates about their role in the criminal justice system. Other attractions will include demonstrations of how convicted offenders are tagged, fingerprinting and a police car. Light refreshments will be provided.

Staff from the Crown and County Court, Essex Police, Group 4 (security), Witness Service, Essex Probation Service, Securitas and Premier Monitoring (electronic tagging) will be on hand to discuss what they do and answer questions.

Notes for editors:

1. For further information contact Basildon Combined Court Manager Veronica Reed tel: 01268 458000.

2. The address of the court is Basildon Combined Court, The Gore, Basildon, SS14 2EU. The Court is situated near the swimming pool in "the Gore" which is off "Broadmayne" the A1321. There are public carparks nearby.

ENDS

Southside, 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QT Press
enquiries to: 020-7210 8512 or 8513 Facsimile: 020-7210 8633 www.courtservice.gov.uk