SCHOOLCHILDREN upheld the law when they took part in a mock trial at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court.

The youth of today were on trial at the New Road complex when students from five local schools took part in a competition that illustrates how the justice system works.

With one of their number accused of dishonestly receiving a stolen mobile phone, children took on the roles of magistrates, lawyers, witnesses and court staff, as well as the defendant.

It was part of the 2015 Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition which is for 12 to 14-year-olds.

The students enacted a specially-written case enabling them to learn about all aspects of the criminal justice system.

Children from Court Moor School, in Fleet, won the Basingstoke local heat fending off competition from The Costello School in Basingstoke, Robert May’s School in Odiham, Yateley School, and The Hurst Community College in Baughurst.

Organiser for the Basingstoke heat, Roy Cleaver, said the standard of the children taking part was “extremely high”.

He said: “They all got into the spirit of the procedure to take part. It’s a very encouraging thing for the children, it boosts their confidence and it very often starts them off in a career in law.

“It gets them interested in law and it helps them see how the law works, and how it is fair to all parties.”

As well as learning about the law, court procedures and consequences, the exercise builds confidence in skills such as public speaking, analysis techniques and team building.

Thirteen students from The Hurst Community College were in the courtroom for the trial of mock defendant Harry Poile.

Teenager Sophie Hall acted as prosecutor while Stewart Bennett defended the 14-year-old.

Fellow Year 8 and 9 pupils Hannah Auld, Ellie Stamp and Phoebe Chave acted as magistrates and found him not guilty.

Head of English at the Brimpton Road school, Laura Groom, said: “They did fantastically. They really stepped up to the mark.

“They were nervous but the way that the competition had supported them previous to the mock trial was great. You’d never believe that they were real 13 or 14 year olds.

“I was so nervous because you have no control over what’s going to happen. It was so awesome, I’m very proud of them.

“A couple of girls have said since that they’re very interested in the justice system.”

More than 50 heats have taken place nationwide over the last three weeks, before regional finals in May and a national final at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court in June.