More than 50 young people took part in a mock trial at Merthyr Crown Court in an event organised by Community Justice.
The aim of the event was to give young people an insight into the criminal justice system and encourage them to be better citizens.
The youngsters who were aged between 11 and 24, were given a tour of the court building including the cells and witness care unit.
As well as Her Majesty’s Court Service a number of criminal justice agencies were represented, including local magistrates, South Wales Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Probation Service, HMP Ashfield, Reliance, Youth Offending Team, and Victim Support.
Chief Inspector Ian Bellshaw, from South Wales Police, said: “The police worked with the court and Community Justice during this event to give the students knowledge about the legal process and consequences of committing crime so that they can make educated choices.
“I think this is the best way for young people to learn about the Criminal Justice System because they go through the process themselves and get to ask the relevant people questions.
“If this deters young people from getting involved in crime then it is a worthwhile event.”
The young people who attended the event were from Youth PACTs, the Youth Cabinet, the Forsythia Youth Centre and those working with the Youth Offending Team’s prevention project.
They also had the opportunity to speak with solicitors from local company Marchant Harries & Co about their role while representatives from the University of Glamorgan, Merthyr College and Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (VAMT) gave advice on jobs and voluntary opportunities
Huw Evans, Court Manager at Merthyr Tydfil Law Courts, said: “It was extremely pleasing to see so many youths, from the Merthyr Tydfil Area, come along to the first Merthyr Tydfil Community Court Youth Open evening. Events such as this are important because they give the young people who take part a better understanding of the law.
“The feedback we have received has been very positive and we have had request to run the event on a regular basis, something that we will be looking to do. We hope that by providing a better understanding of the Criminal Justice System the Community will benefit and by engaging with the Youths of Merthyr Tydfil we hope we can improve the way we carry out our business.”
If your community group would be interested in learning more about the work of the criminal justice system please contact Laura Jenkins (Community Justice Coordinator) at laura.jenkins@ merthyr .gov.uk or 01685 725472
