Council housing tenants in the dock
Tenants and members of staff from Lancaster City Council and the Magistrates Service
COUNCIL housing tenants followed in the footsteps of one of Lancaster’s most infamous former residents to learn more about the criminal justice system.
Lancaster City Council recently teamed up with the local Magistrates Service to provide an exciting opportunity for council housing tenants to play at being a magistrate for a day.
The old court room at Lancaster Town Hall became the scene for a mock trial in which the tenants played the parts of magistrates, prosecution and defence lawyers, as well as the accused.
The purpose of the day was to increase knowledge of the criminal justice system, provide an insight into the magistrates court and its workings and to promote volunteering opportunities.
The old court room and police cells below were last used in 1985.
One of the most infamous cases brought before the court was that of Dr. Buck Ruxton, who in 1935, was accused of the double murder of his wife and their housekeeper, Mary Rogerson.
He appeared before the court in October and November 1935, before being committed for trial at the Manchester Assizes Court.
Date Published: 26/02/10