Family and Friends Forum

Hi, I'm not sure if all magistrate courts are the same but my experience was that we went into the building together and had our bags checked as we entered. We then waited in the waiting room together until my son went into a private room with his solicitor. It was his choice that he did this alone and I remained in the waiting room until he returned. When he was called in to court, he went in one door and I went in another. The plea hearing lasted about 20 minutes.

I hope that answers your question but if not feel free to ask anything else you want to know.

Can I just add, hopefully helpfully, that I volunteer at our local Law Courts and what struck me when I started was how respectful everyone there is towards everyone (so if a defendant is needed and has to be called over the tannoy they are always referred to as Mr or Ms or sometimes by first and last name - no mention of who they are so could easily be a probation officer or solicitor). At my courts there is a board in reception after security checks noting which courtroom every case is assigned to and people can go and sit outside that court. The court usher will then come out and ask for them when it's their turn or if they're not there call for them on the tannoy as many choose to wait in the reception area. It's not the nicest place in the world for sure, but you don't need to worry about being treated as less than human. Also there is a lot of waiting around so although you probably won't be able to concentrate I would suggest you come with some mindless time ocupying thngs like a magazine or crosswords or puzzles. But not knitting as the needles will be taken away by security, also any liquids you might have like perfume. You will get them back but easier to leave them at home.

One day I will be like you and I'm sure it will be very different from when I'm there volunteering but hopefully I've taken a tiny bit of the fear of the unknown away xx