Throughout the 12th July, I witnessed an array of cases, ranging from procedural hearings regarding parole, to shocking and disturbing cases concerned with heinous crimes such as incest. Promptly at 9am, everyone stood for the judge, only to be met with several adjournments due to the defence attorney not being present. Once he had arrived, the first case was heard.
This case concerned incest and rape, where a father had had sexual intercourse with his 15-year-old daughter on multiple occasions, and therefore impregnating her. The gasps and curses under peoples’ breaths echoed throughout the courtroom, as the facts of the case were read out. The only defence that the accused’s attorney could present was a psychiatrist report, revealing that the accused was abused by his father when he was 12. However, the court ultimately, and rightfully so, held that this could not justify such an abhorrent and vile crime.
Later that same day, a boy aged around 15, was called, being charged with intention to cause actual bodily harm. He had been involved in an argument at school that concluded when he proceeded to stab his fellow classmate in the stomach. After recounting the events of the stabbing, the victim was made to show his scars to the judge. The atmosphere felt rather light-hearted, with the defence attorney making jokes about going to the beach. Whilst this was a simple case and involved children, I felt that given the nature of the crime and subsequent events for the victim, it should have been met with a greater degree of seriousness. Compensation was awarded, yet I do not feel the amount was relative to the pain inflicted not only on the victim himself, but the mental turmoil faced by his family. He was forced to miss a year of school due to pain, resulting in him missing important exams (GCSE equivalent), and must endure breathing difficulties for the remainder of his life, that could put him at a disadvantage for future employment or any physical activity.
