Bar Mock Trial, Snaresbrook Crown Court

“Oh my word. We can’t have done it again, surely?” was the thought running through Miss Catterall’s and Mr Spurgeon’s heads as the lady from the Bar Mock Trial competition read out the names of the two schools who had made it through to the final of the Outer London heat.

This was 2pm Saturday 23rd November and we were in the familiar surroundings once again of the Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Tired from an early start, the team kicked into action in the euphoria of the news, rushed to collect bags and belongings from our allotted station and assembled outside Courtroom A. We were to face Heathcote School, Chelmsford in the final.

A coin was tossed. Safia called correctly and “yes, thank you, we would like to be the defence counsel”. In we piled. Safia presented her eloquent opening speech in true barristerial style, Maddie and Meena submitted their evidence to the jury under intense cross-examination and Talitha summed up brilliantly. Mila’s officiating as court usher was at the same excellent standard as the rest of the team, but had we done enough? (The tension was getting too much for some.)

The judge deliberated for what seemed an eternity, complemented all the participants on an excellent contest and finally announced that ………………Presdales had won!! (cheers) ….by one point 74-73 ! (gasps)

Next stop: the National Final on 21st March

Venue: The Old Bailey in London.

A reward well-deserved.