The Council for the Defence
The Sir Rhys Davies Schools Mock Trial Competition
Congratulation to the St Bede’s team, who finished 4th, particularly to Harriet Brook, who won the MEN Court Reporter award (for the second year in succession).
The competition is organised annually by barristers in Manchester, and takes place in the Crown Courts in Minshull Street. Schools provide lawyers and witnesses for either the prosecution or defence in each fictional case, as well as court officials, reporters and a jury. Each court is presided over by a real judge, and the whole thing is made as realistic as possible.
The St Bede’s Team
Advocates: Victoria Catteral-Decalmer, Ify Obi, Jack Pollitt, Adam Shagaya.
Witnesses: Rosie Candlin, Tola Dada, Benjamin Kleimunt, Jamal Maynard.
Court Clerk and Usher: Katy McGowan
Court Reporter: Harriet Brooke
The St Bede’s team included Lower and Upper Sixth students who had been preparing for the competition since September. The competition is divided into three leagues, and St Bede’s defeated all three schools in their league. Unfortunately, the complex scoring system meant that, despite being undefeated in their league, the St Bede’s team did not go through to the final. Many congratulations to the members of the team, who worked incredibly hard, supported each other and responded well under the pressure of a very public competition. Despite understandable nerves, they remained calm, thought on their feet and argued effectively. Special congratulations to the four witnesses, who were the strongest we have fielded in recent years. Harriet Booke, meanwhile, won the competition for court reporting (which is judged and sponsored by the Manchester Evening News) for the second year running – a tremendous achievement. Thank you to the barristers who gave up their time to help prepare students for the competition, to Mr Griffin and Miss Holland for their help and to the parents and friends who turned up to support the team.