STUDENTS got a taste of the criminal bar when they took part in a mock assault trial.

Sixth form students hoping to study law at university tested out their skills in criminal trial competition at Teesside University.

Teams from six North-East colleges were invited to take part in an assault trial roleplay at the University's mock court room.

Teams from Stockton Sixth Form College and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington were awarded trophies for their performances.

Other colleges taking part included Durham Sixth Form College, Macmillan Academy in Middlesbrough, Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough and Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough.

Andrew Perriman, Senior Lecturer in Law at Teesside University, said: “We wanted to provide a competition for local colleges and students who are interested in pursuing a degree in law at Teesside and the day has been very successful.

“Public speaking in court is always nerve-racking, but the standard of the students, whether questioning witnesses or carrying out closing speeches, has been exemplary and we hope that the participating colleges will bring teams next year.”

Richard Bennett and Penny Bottomley, barristers at Fountain Chambers, were on hand to help judge the competition.

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College was represented by students Gabriel Robinson, Anna Chamberlain and Jaz Guy, all from Darlington. They previously visited the campus for a law conference held by the School of Social Sciences & Law in February.

Gabriel, 17, said: “It’s scary to get up and speak in that room, but the facilities are great and the day has been quite fun and different.”

Stockton Sixth Form College was represented by Mitchel Agar, Courtney Bain and Matthew Lynch, all from Stockton. They were encouraged by their learning experience and the facilities on offer.

Courtney, 17, said: “It’s been great - I was interested before today but the experience has definitely made me want to study law.”

Their teacher, Paul Hood, said: “It’s been a superb event, very well run, and we’ll definitely be back to defend our title next year.”