As one court closes another one opens
I attended Stratford Magistrates Court today. I like it there. I can park my bike easily, there is a reasonably spacious advocates room to change in and the staff are friendly, helpful and efficient.
On arrival I was told I would be in court 11 before a lay bench. This surprised me as after many years of attending Stratford I have only ever found 10 courts. I went to court 10. Left was court 9. Right is the stairs. Opposite is the probation office. Nowhere is there a court 11.
I asked for some help and was directed to the 'canteen' (an amusing title in itself for a large room with half a dozen tables but only two chairs and a vending machine) where I found the court in full swing. Three magistrates, a clerk, defendants, lawyers... all sitting in the canteen. Much to my disappointment, the vending machines had gone so no coffee or chocolate for me.
On arrival I was told I would be in court 11 before a lay bench. This surprised me as after many years of attending Stratford I have only ever found 10 courts. I went to court 10. Left was court 9. Right is the stairs. Opposite is the probation office. Nowhere is there a court 11.
I asked for some help and was directed to the 'canteen' (an amusing title in itself for a large room with half a dozen tables but only two chairs and a vending machine) where I found the court in full swing. Three magistrates, a clerk, defendants, lawyers... all sitting in the canteen. Much to my disappointment, the vending machines had gone so no coffee or chocolate for me.
My court has 1-3 (secure docks) 4-5 (access to cells but no secure docks) and (informally) 6, which is a conference room. Court 7 is the pub across the road.
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