Westminster Magistrates’ Court hosts anti-knife crime event for local London schools
Around 30 schoolchildren aged between 14 and 16 years took over courtroom 10 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday 14 October 2024, as part of an initiative to highlight the dangers and consequences of carrying and using a knife.
As well as playing leading roles in a mock trial, the teenagers heard from lawyers, first aiders and campaigners about the impact of knife crime, and what actions they could take to help make our streets safer.
The event brought together pupils from Chadwell Heath Academy and Winchmore School – two schools in areas of London most affected by knife crime – for an interactive day of learning.
Heidi Alexander MP, Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services at the Ministry of Justice, joined the students and expressed her support, saying:
Reducing knife crime is a priority for this government, and today’s event demonstrates the power of collaboration between the justice system, schools, and community organisations to address this issue. It is vital that young people understand the dangers of carrying knives and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities.
I am incredibly impressed by the dedication of everyone involved in organising this initiative, and I hope it inspires these young people to make positive choices for their futures.
HMCTS legal adviser, Ian Rawlins, who has been involved for many years in community volunteering to tackle knife crime, was the organiser behind the day. With an impressive line-up of speakers and practical sessions, the day offered students insight into the criminal justice process, support services, the role of law enforcement, and the broader impact of knife crime on lives and communities.
Toks Adesuyan, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said:
It’s really important that we contribute to events like this that target and engage young people, not only to inspire future legal and Civil Service careers, but also to educate on the real and devastating consequences of carrying knives.
Some of the messages we deliver are hard-hitting, but if that means we’ve helped to divert young people away from knife crime, then we must continue to provide platforms for education in order to reduce the prevalence of violence amongst children and young adults.
Speakers inspire and educate
The event featured a range of expert speakers, who engaged the students with powerful talks and practical tips about community support, first aid, and self-empowerment when it comes to reducing violence among young people.
Speakers included:
- Tan Ikram CBE DL, the Deputy Senior District Judge, who addressed students on the importance of understanding and respecting the law
- Toks Adesuyan, Senior District Crown Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, who spoke about their role in the criminal justice process
- Saj Hussain, Detective Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, who explained the role of the police in attempting to reduce knife crime and the steps they take when suspecting someone of knife-related offences
- Fadi Daoud, Crime Partner at Lawrence and Co. Solicitors, who spoke about the role of a defence solicitor in representing a person accused of a criminal offence
- The High Sheriff of Greater London, Millicent Grant KC, who explained her personal and professional experiences of the criminal justice system
- Anti-knife crime charity Steel Warriors, which provided real-world perspectives on how knife crime can harm lives and communities
- Street Doctors, who aim to put young people at the centre of emergency first-aid provision
- Representatives from the Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity that aims to tackle knife crime through education and campaigning
Students also had the opportunity to speak to professional footballer Kayne Ramsay of Charlton Athletic Football Club about following personal goals and avoiding violent crime.
Mock trial sees teenagers take over courtroom 10
A highlight of the day was a mock trial, organised by the National Justice Museum, in which students took on the roles of legal professionals, judges and others involved in a criminal court hearing. Through this hands-on experience, they gained a better understanding of the justice system and the consequences of breaking the law. This session aimed to raise aspirations for legal careers while offering students a new perspective on how courts work to ensure justice is served.
For more information about the day, stay tuned to the Inside HMCTS Podcast channel on GOV.UK, where an episode about Ian’s work and the event at Westminster Magistrates’ Court will be published soon.