Back at the end of the Summer Term Lewes Crown Court was unusually busy for a Saturday !

A large number of our students were involved in a Murder Mystery Day led by a teacher from West Sussex LEA who specialises in running courses for Gifted and Talented students.

All participants were given a role to play from the defendant Nick King - accused of murdering his mother for her money - to the expert witnesses and legal teams for prosecution and defence.

The morning was spent mapping from memory details of the crime scene then building a case by interviewing all the witnesses and deciding who would be called to give evidence at the trial.

After a ‘working lunch’ provided by the Charity-run Crown Café the trial commenced in infamous Court One!

Her Hon. Judge Janet Waddicor presided over the trial ushered by Mrs Ramsey, a LOGS parent who works there in that role. Legal advice had been given all morning by Ros Toomey, another LOGS parent who is a solicitor.

Parents had been invited to volunteer as Jurors and they were sworn in by the Usher. After the charges were read out the trial began and the Jurors listened attentively to all the witness testimonies given at the Witness Box.

Barristers for both sides examined and cross-examined all witnesses in a very professional way.

Her Hon Judge Waddicor expertly summed up all that we had heard, clarifying many of the finer details of the case for the Jury before they retired to consider their verdict.

Everyone waited with baited breath whilst the jury deliberated and then stood to attention as the Judge re-entered the courtroom to hear their decision.

On hearing the Forewoman of the Jury announce a NOT GUILTY verdict the legal team for the Defence celebrated ‘til the early hours.

A huge thank you goes to :-

Janet Waddicor and Ros Toomey for their invaluable legal input
Paul Ticehurst who ran the day for us
Marissa Ramsey who guided us through the proper protocol in the Court Room Our parents who acted as jurors

but most importantly to the students themselves who were fantastic ambassadors for LOGS - their wisdom and maturity impressed us all.