STUDENTS tested mind and mettle in the crucible of the courts during a mock trial competition.

Hundreds of year eight and nine students learned about the cut and thrust of the legal system during the spirited and realistic contest at Worcester Magistrates Court on Saturday. Highly topical, the focus of the trial was the fate of a student climate change protester accused of criminal damage after the slogan ‘Planet over Profit’ was sprayed on the wall of an energy company. Students played the role of the defendant, magistrates, solicitors, ushers, court clerks, court artists and journalists. The best court artist award went to Holly Waldron of Aston Fields Middle School, Bromsgrove. Umar Rashid of St John’s CE Middle School Academy in Bromsgrove won best reporter.

The best bench of magistrates went to Nunnery Wood High School in Worcester. Third team prize went to Aston Fields Middle School and runner up shield to Prince Henry’s High School, Evesham. The most outstanding pupil award was shared by Lara Starkey (prosecution lawyer, Lacon Childe School), Seth Maurice Brant (legal adviser, Prince Henry’s) and Beatrice Williams (defence lawyer, Prince Henry’s). The winning team was Lacon Childe School, Cleobury Mortimer. Prizes were handed out by Judge Robert Juckes QC during a ceremony at crown court. Also present were the Lord Lieutenant, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, and Edward Holloway, High Sheriff of Worcestershire.