Pupils star in court room drama

Jamie MacDonald • Published 18 Nov 2009 09:48 0 Comments

DOZENS of sixth year school pupils appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court last week.

There has, however, been no youth inspired crime wave, instead the students from Alloa, Lornshill and Alva Academies were given a taste of court life by holding their own mock trial and meeting those involved in its day to day running.

Sheriff David Mackie, fiscal depute Sue Ruta and defence solicitor Robert Smith, along with court officials, social workers, police officers, Reliance and the Advertiser, told the pupils about their specific roles and provided assistance for the trial.

The students involved are all studying Modern Studies which includes modules in Law and Drama.

Daniel Ashe, from Alva Academy, was given the job of Sheriff while Shelldan Sillars, of Lornshill, filled the procurator fiscal position and Jake McLeod, from Alloa, acted for the defence.

Grant McNeil, from Alloa, was the unfortunate accused - charged with committing an assault with a knife whilst squirrel spotting at Gartmorn Dam.

Sheriff clerk John McCallister told the Advertiser, "Everybody thought it went really well and all those involved put every effort into it.

"After the trial a group had some time with the Sheriff and Reliance took them on trips to the cells - where the accused was still banged up."

He added, "The aim is to try and get information to the community about what we do and do away with some of the myths. We are human in here and part of it is showing how we fit in to society."

Gillian Kinnaird, from Alva Academy, and Elliot McGuigan, of Alloa Academy, agreed their day in court was a worthwhile experience.

Gillian said, "It is quite interesting to see what goes on in the court.

"It lets us see what we have been reading and studying about."

Elliot, who was one of the jurors, added, "I thought it was very effective and a good way to get to know the system."

John MacFarlane, area business manager for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said the court day gave students a realistic idea of what goes on in court and the involvement of the various agencies.

He added, "This is the fifth year we have run the court days in Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Falkirk.

"The schools have found it very useful and it is very popular."

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