A-level Law students got a taste for crime scene investigation at a two day mock CSI event held at the college and Horsham Magistrates court in July. A crime scene was staged and students worked in defence and prosecution teams to assess the credibility of the evidence and establish a case. A trial was then mocked up before Magistrate Mary Hamilton, at the Magistrates court in Horsham. Students adopted the roles of legal teams, court usher and the jury; while a packed gallery of Collyer’s students nervously watched the drama unfold from the sidelines. The defendant was played by volunteer Simon Packham, who has previously appeared as a similar character in the popular TV series The Bill.

A host of top professionals also helped the students to organise their cases and give the event further authenticity. These included PC Keith Beckley, KPMG’s Simon Bush, law under-graduate George Woodhouse and private investigator Michael Colacicco.   

Magistrate Mary Hamilton, who conducted the mock trial on the final day, was impressed with the high standard of work on show: “The students worked particularly hard in their legal teams and I was very impressed with how well they prepared and the quality of the performance. Presenting in court is extremely difficult and I felt they all did brilliantly.” 

The winning legal team comprised Lizzie Bright, Spencer Phillips, Jessica Mok and Prudence Nash. Acting as the prosecution team, they actually lost the trial, but Judge Mary Hamilton felt that they deserved the prize in recognition of their outstanding team work over the two days.

Steve Nicholls, Collyer’s Vice Principal, later presented a bouquet of flowers to Madeleine Mills, who was helping to co-ordinate the event for the last time. Steve said: “Collyer’s has worked closely with Madeleine Mills and her brilliant team at Education Business Partnership to put on this superb annual event.  Collyer’s CSI has gone from strength to strength over the years and Madeleine’s outstanding work has undoubtedly helped to make this possible. On behalf of Collyer’s, I would like to say thank-you Madeleine!”  

Head of Law at Collyer’s, Helen Mayer-Dean, was delighted with Collyer’s CSI: “The trial was gripping. The quality of the legal cases put forward was outstanding. The students are a credit to themselves and a credit to Collyer’s. We would like to thank Mary Hamilton, Horsham Magistrates Court, Education Business Partnership and all of our volunteers for their superb support. Events like Collyer’s CSI are what education is all about!”