BUDDING law enforcers went head-to-head in the court room this weekend in the Worcestershire heat of the 2013 Schools Mock Trial competition.

Dozens of legal eagles from 14 schools across the county took part in the contest at Worcester Magistrates Court on Saturday, competing against one another in a specially-written criminal case.

The students, who were aged between 12 and 14 years old, played the parts of magistrates, prosecution and defence lawyers, defendant, witnesses and court officials in the case of an ex-soldier who was accused of assault. Their performances were judged by local magistrates and legal professionals.

Awards were presented at Worcester Crown Court by Liaison Judge, HH Robert Juckes, and Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College in Timberdine Avenue, Worcester, took the winners’ cup.

Lacon Childe School, in Kidderminster, were runners-up for the second consecutive year, and third prize went to South Bromsgrove High School.

The cup for best student bench of magistrates was won by Bishop Perowne CE Performing Arts College in Merrimans Hill Road, Worcester, for the second year in a row, and the most outstanding pupil award went to Pierce Sloan from first time entrants Hagley RC High School.

Peter John, Editor of the Worcester News, presented the Press Cup for best court reporter to Finn Meehan, from Christopher Whitehead Language College in Bromwich Road, Worcester, and the best court artist award went to Fenella Carey, also from Christopher Whitehead.

Now in its 19th year, the annual mock trial competition is organised by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Magistrates’ Association.

About 6,000 students from 400 schools across the country are taking part this year and the winning teams from 69 heats will go forward to the regional finals in May, which are followed by the national finals in Nottingham.