POSTPONED – Winchester Combined Court open day

 Following the announcement by Buckingham Palace of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Winchester Crown Court and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner regret that our Open Day event scheduled for Saturday 10 September 2022 has been postponed.

Thank you for your understanding and respect at this sad time. The Court and the OPCC joins the rest of the nation in mourning the loss of Her Majesty.

A new date for the Open Day event will be announced in due course.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner together with the Recorder of Winchester and Resident Judge of Winchester Combined Courts, Her Honour Judge Angela Morris are opening up Winchester Combined Court on Saturday 10 September to give visitors a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the criminal justice system.  The open day will coincide with coincide with National Heritage Week.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Criminal Justice Board and Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service.

The event is free and aimed school and college leavers who are interested in exploring a career in criminal justice.

Visitors will have a chance to:

• Visit the court cells
• Be involved in a mock trial – and decide the verdict
• Meet those working in the criminal justice system; real Judges, barristers, solicitors and police officers
• Learn about career opportunities
• Meet the police wellbeing dogs
• Find out how the criminal justice system worked during the pandemic

Where: Winchester Combined Court Centre, SO23 9EL

When: Saturday 10 September, 10.30am – 3.30pm

Entry: FREE

Her Honour Judge Angela Morris, Resident Judge of Winchester and Salisbury Combined Courts, said: “Open Day events are a tremendous way to introduce the community to the court and provide them with some understanding of the work which goes on inside and outside the courtroom.

“This open day is designed to provide an opportunity for students, parents and members of the public to come and meet the various people who work within the legal system including Judges, barristers, solicitors, police officers, witness care volunteers, probation officers, prison officers and volunteers from many charities who deal with the effects of crime on families.

“The event will include a number of activities and events such as mock trials, a ‘day in the life of’ talk by members of the legal profession and other court users, a history of the court and how the legal profession has kept things going during the pandemic, in addition to an art competition and cell tours.

“I do hope you will get involved in this event and please do not hesitate to contact the court if you need any more information.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people and the wider community to get first-hand experience of how the court system works and meet professionals who work in the criminal justice system.

“Visitors will be able to see court rooms, cells, witness how trials actually work, take part in a mock trial and get advice on future careers.

“I am really pleased to be supporting an event that opens up the world of criminal justice to young people and I hope those who are interested in learning about the British judicial system, crime and policing, come along.”