ST ALBANS CROWN COURT HOLDS ITS FIRST OPEN DAY ON SATURDAY 22

29 May 2002 11:13 AM

St Albans Crown Court is opening its doors to the public on Saturday 22 June from 10am to 3pm (latest entry 2.30pm).

Resident Judge, His Honour Judge Findlay Baker QC, said: "The aim of the open day is to allow the public to experience how the justice system operates, 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."

Members of the public will be able to see 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 Judge and local magistrates who will give talks on their roles and responsibilities. Other attractions will include demonstrations of how convicted offenders are tagged, fingerprinting and a police vehicle. There will be quizzes and a poster competition for children. Light refreshments will be provided.

Staff from the Crown, County and Magistrates Courts, Hertfordshire Police, Group 4 (security), HMP The Mount, Witness Service, Hertfordshire Probation Service, and Premier Monitoring (electronic tagging) will be on hand to discuss what they do and answer questions. Visitors will also be able to find out about Career Opportunities and current Job Vacancies in the Justice System

Notes for editors:

1. For further information contact St Albans Crown Court Manager Jane Burfitt or Sheila Moran on 01727 753220.

2. The address of the court is St Albans Crown Court, Bricket Road, St Albans AL1 3JW. ". There are public carparks nearby.

ENDS

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT PRESS NOTICE
Southside,
105 Victoria Street,
London, SW1E 6QT
Press enquiries to: 020-7210 8512 or 8513
Facsimile: 020-7210 8633
www.courtservice.gov.uk