A PROJECT aimed at showing people how the probation service and courts operate together has launched in Trafford.

Called Local Crime Community Sentences, the project involves magistrates and probation staff giving live demonstrations to community groups and schools using ‘real life’ case studies prosecuted by the courts to illustrate how both services function.

The audience is intimately involved in debating the case and in the sentencing process.

Richard Monkhouse, a sitting magistrate at Trafford’s courts in Ashton Lane, told Messenger: “The presentations we have done so far have been very well received.

“By involving the audience in a real life example of an offender being prosecuted, the event is made to feel more real, and it demonstrates the complexity of each case and helps people develop a more thorough understanding of community sentences.”

LCCS presentations have already been well received at Sale Grammar School, Trafford Housing Tennant’s Team and Flixton’s Woodsend Community Group.

“It’s basically to build confidence in the criminal justice system and show people the types of community sentences the courts can give out,” said Trafford’s senior probation officer, Linda Dransfield.

“The feedback so far has been very good. The 13-14 year olds who saw it at Sale Grammar said some very positive things.”

If you are interested in hosting an LCCS event, contact Linda Dransfield on 0161 872 4802, or email at linda.dransfield@manchetser.probation.gsi.gov.uk; or Richard Monkhouse at rgm2@btinternet.com