Last updated 15:42, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

WEST Cumbrian students got a taste of life in the criminal justice system last week at a careers event in West Allerdale Magistrates’ Court.

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seeing Justice done: Caroline Leonard (right), project manager for the Criminal Justice Board, explains its workings to Julia Nixon (left) and Lewis Nixon of Maryport

The police, prosecution service, victim support and youth offending representatives were among a host of agencies on hand to offer advice to young people.

The event, the first of its kind aimed specifically at young people, was designed to give students an insight into the career possibilities in the criminal justice system.

More than 100 sixth form students and their parents turned up to the showcase which was organised by Cumbria Criminal Justice Board, Connexions Cumbria and Her Majesty’s Courts Service.

Chris Bateman, 17, of Fitz Road, Cockermouth, said: “I’m hoping to join the police force after I finish university so this event was a brilliant chance for me to find out about what the role involves and how I can get into it.”

Mike Priestly, area manager of Connexions, said the event was key to opening up the criminal justice system to the community.

He said: “We are keen to get young people involved and show them the opportunities of a career in this industry.

“And through an event such as this we can highlight a range of career pathways plus give students the opportunity to talk to professionals face to face.”

Bartosz Koziara, 17, of Wordsworth Terrace, said: “I’m interested in being either a barrister or a solicitor so I came to the event and have been able to talk to a couple of people about my career options. It’s been really good.”

Local defence lawyers, representatives from Magistrates in the Community and justice clerk of Cumbria, Chris Armstrong, also offered an insight into their work.

Schools from Workington, Whitehaven, Cockermouth and Keswick were invited to attend.

Barbara Adams of the Cumbria Criminal Justice Board, said: “The turn out for the event just shows the interest among young people in careers in the justice and law sector.

“It has been an opportunity to raise awareness of the career options.

“If students from as far afield as Keswick were eager to come then there is an obvious interest among young people.”

Pauline Croall, court manager at West Allerdale Magistrates’ Court, said the event had been really well received.

She said: “Not only have the young people been interested but their parents have shown a lot of interest as well.

“We are always looking for new magistrates and the event has been great for raising awareness.

“If we get some positive feedback from this event we will look to hold another in the North and South of the county.”