A PUPIL from St John’s Middle School was awarded a prize for ‘Best Court Reporter’ during a mock trial competition involving 11 Worcestershire schools.

The students battled it out during the contest, held at Worcester Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Run by the Citizen Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates’ Association, the annual competition is designed to enable students to learn about the criminal justice system.

This year the pupils, aged between 12 and 14, played out the case of a defendant stood accused of being in possession of a bladed article.

After the morning session, contestants attended a ceremony at Worcester Crown Court where prizes were given out by his honour, Judge Robert Juckes QC.

Youngsters had a go at being a court reporter, with pupils challenged to write their own report of the trial.

The winner of that competition was Beth Jones, of St John’s Middle School, chosen by former Bromsgrove Advertiser reporter Sam Greenway.

The overall winning team was city school Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, with the runner up named as Evesham-based Prince Henry’s High School - which also won the best magistrates bench prize.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, who helped fund the event, said: “The competition is a really good opportunity for young people to learn about the criminal justice system.

“Hopefully all those taking part found it fun and informative, and that is will give them an insight into why they wouldn’t want to be in court themselves and having to take the stand.”