VANDALISM charges brought children from 12 local schools to Coleford Magistrates' Court last week – not as criminals, but in a task to tax their acting and speaking skills!
The schools mock trials are the brainchild of former magistrate David Price who thought it would be a great way to introduce children to all aspects of the legal system.
Classes from each participating school come to an orientation at the court and have a talk from a Police Community Support Officer.
"They get a greater knowledge, not just of the court, but of the whole legal process. It involves a lot of skills like drama, drawing and learning to think on their feet. Some of the children are brilliant," said Mr Price.
"The hardest role must be the solicitor doing cross examination – they come up with lots of good questions to try to get the truth from the witnesses."
Chris Owston, 10 of Forest View Primary School played defendant Terry Shepherd, who was found guilty of criminal damage.
He said: "I was sad when they told me they thought I was guilty. The best bit was when I was getting interrogated in the witness box. I learnt a lot."
The mayors of Cinderford, Lydney and Coleford gave their support to the event and Cllr Max Coborn (Cinderford mayor) said he was impressed with the children's adaptability and acting skills.