Epsom law student Zeena Bhamra had a first hand look at how a crown court works recently, as part of Kingston College’s annual mock trial.

Students from the college’s law school appeared before Judge Charles Welchman playing the roles of prosecution and defence, jury and witnesses to gain a flavour of how cases are argued before Kingston Crown Court.

Tough battling between the opposing advocates resulted in one of the two defendants being convicted before the court, with Judge Welchman commending the students in presenting a detailed and complicated case.

‘Witness’ Miss Bhamra, 23, said: “I really enjoyed it. I was very nervous but it gave me a good insight in to court procedure.”

Fellow student Daniela Pridie-Budd, 40, who took the part of Defence Barrister, said: “It was an amazing experience, and although nerve-wracking was great and so very useful for my future professional practice.”

The event is a regular part of the college’s law courses, enabling them to deal with complex issues and learn to produce a high standard of delivery in court.

David Finch, head of business and professional studies at the law school, said: “Our law students really benefit from the advocacy experience in a court before a real judge, which is normally hard for trainees to experience.”