Ask the jury or ask the audience at crime event

Members of the public are invited to take part in the event, run by the North Yorkshire Criminal Justice Board.

They will be given handsets similar to those used on the ITV show. After hearing the details of cases that have been heard in a crown court, they will be given sentencing options and will use the handset to vote for the one they feel is the most appropriate.

The results will appear on screens almost immediately in the style of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

The sentence given in the original case will then be revealed.

The Recorder of York, Judge Paul Hoffman will give his view on the factors that influenced the decision. Defence and Crown Prosecution Service lawyers will also be on hand.

It is the first time an event of this kind has been held in North Yorkshire. The offences that will be used were all heard at crown court, but have been made anonymous, with any sensitive details removed. Crimes will include grievous bodily harm and rape.

The free event is held as part of Inside Justice Week, a national initiative aimed at making the criminal justice system more accessible to the public.

Anne Taylor, from the Criminal Justice Board, said: "Similar events have been held in other areas and been really successful in raising awareness.

"We just want to give people the information to make informed decisions. There are times when judges and magistrates are perhaps restricted in what sentence they can give.

"At the same time, what is reported in the press may be one part of what can be a week-long in-depth trial.

"It is often interesting for people to see both sides, and we are giving people that chance. Hopefully, when we reveal the actual sentence, people will be quite surprised about what was given."

The event will be held in the Merchant Taylors' Hall, Aldwark, York, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on Thursday, November 8.

Places can be reserved by calling 01904-731880 before Friday, October 19