South Axholme Academy pupils from Epworth win national courtroom competition heat in Scunthorpe

Pupils from South Axholme Academy at Epworth won the national courtroom competition heat held in Scunthorpe.

Aspiring lawyers aged between 12 and 14 fought their cases in the 19th annual Magistrates' Court Mock Trial Competition.

The event is run by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates' Association.

The heat held in North Lincolnshire magistrates court involved pupils from South Axholme Academy, Cherry Willingham Community School and Sir John Nelthorpe School.

The pupils took on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates, court staff and a defendant.

The specially written scenario used was an accusation of assault following an incident at a pub that one defendant pleaded not guilty to.

Louise Richardson, 14, from South Axholme Academy, played the part of the defendant in the courtroom.

She said: "It was a good experience and a bit daunting to stand in front of everyone and answer the questions.

"I learnt a script but was asked some hard questions that I think I answered well.

"I was very nervous before I was called to give evidence but it was exciting.

"I was found not-guilty which was a good result.

"The competition aims to give young people an insight into the workings of the legal system.

Danielle Cooper, 14, from South Axholme Acedemy, played the role of the prosecution and said she was looking at a career in law.

She said: "I would like to be a lawyer so this experience was very helpful.

"It was a bit nerve wracking but good fun."

Sara Hudson, GCSE law teacher at South Axholme Academy said: "All the pupils did really well and I am so proud.

"We have been preparing in lesson time for a while and I let the pupils choose what roles they would like to play.

"There are some pupils that I think have a promising career in law.

"Pupils from Sir John Nelthorpe School also enjoyed the experience.

Megan Wells, 13, from Sir John Nelthorpe School, was part of the defence team.

She said: "I really want to be a lawyer so this is great experience to add to my CV and has also given me more confidence.

"I was very nervous when I started but as I got into the swing of it I started to really enjoy questioning."

Sophie Scutt, 13, from Sir John Nelthorpe School, was also part of the defence team.

She said: "The day has helped me learn about what goes on in court and how it works.

"It has been good fun.

"The trophy for winning the heat was given to South Axholme Academy and they will compete in the national final later in the year.

Carol Staines, organiser of the competition, said: "The day went very well and there were some outstanding performances given.

"The case was a good story to work on and everyone performed well."