CBA Lecture: The Youth Court
Wednesday 28th June
18.00 – 19.00
Online
Introduction: James Gwatkin (Foundry Chambers) – Member of CBA Education Committee
Speaker: District Judge (Magistrates’ Court) Gareth Branston
Speaker: Mel Stooks, Partner at GT Stewart Solicitors
Both speakers will be speaking on the following topics:
- Pre-trial matters (police station, bail, early attendances at court, allocation to Youth Court or Crown Court).
- Court hearing (whether that be trial or otherwise, best advocacy techniques).
- Sentencing and other post-conviction issues (types of sentence, breach proceedings).
With an increasing number of serious violent and sexual offences being tried in the Youth Court, it is hoped this discussion will provide a useful insight for seasoned practitioners, as well those just getting on their feet.
The access link will be circulated soon the day of the lecture
District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) Gareth Branston
Gareth Branston was appointed a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) in 2013, having been called to the Bar in 1996. He was appointed as a Recorder in the Crown Court in 2012.
DJ Branston currently sits in the East London Magistrates’ Court predominantly based at Thames Magistrates’ Court. He has extensive experience in presiding of Youth Court matters and is the co-author of the Youth Defendants in the Crown Court bench book. He is the Judicial College Course Director for Youth Court Serious Sexual Offending.
Mel Stooks
Mel Stooks qualified as a solicitor in 1998. She is a Partner at GT Stewart and is Head of the Youth team having specialised in representing children and young persons for much of her career.
Mel is a member of the Rook Committee that produced the Advocacy and Vulnerable Witness Training provided by Inns of Court and the Law Society. She provides training in youth justice to other professionals as well as training for Appropriate Adults who may be required to attend the police station. She also runs legal advice clinics at London Youth Clubs. She is on the Board of Directors at CoramBAAF due to her interest in protecting the rights of children in care.
This lecture will be recorded
Costs
Event only:
Silk £0.00 +7 Years £0.00 -7 Years £0.00 Pupil £0.00 Non Member £0.00