Crowds turn out for Norwich Crown Court's 2023 open day

But on Thursday, April 6 Norwich Crown Court threw open its doors to give families across the county to see how justice is delivered during the Easter holidays.

And it was standing room only throughout the building - and across the four criminal courts - as people braved the April showers and queued throughout the day to get in.

Members of the public were given the chance to observe mock trials and sentencings, have a tour of the cells, experience a video link and even meet a sniffer dog.

Visitors were given the chance to try on a wig and gown, and electronic tags, as well as see historic police exhibits and attend a number of talks. 

Judge Alice Robinson, resident judge at Norwich Crown Court and the city's honorary recorder, said: "I was a bit worried when the weather forecast said it was going to be raining - the only rainy day this week - but that doesn't seem to have desisted people and we're delighted so many people have come."

Judge Robinson said the public had been "really enthused" and had been asking lots of questions during events at the open day "which is great".

She said she was "really grateful" to everyone who had volunteered their time and the court staff who had helped "put in a great day for everyone".

Judge Robinson also reminded the public that they are able to attend criminal courts "and sit in open court" when the law courts are open. 

Also pleased by the turnout was Judge Andrew Shaw who said: "I just want to say how delighted we are that people have been interested to come and see the work that we do.

"We hope they all learn something."

One of those who did so was Tawa Groombridge, 44, from north of the city, who attended the event with children Livia, 13, and Baily, 11.

She said: "I just thought it was a really good insight for them.

"It's just really interesting because they don't know what it's like."

She said they had a look around the cells at the court where defendants in custody are held before going into court as well as the sniffer dogs.

Visitors also had the chance to look around a variety of stalls manned by representatives of a number of different organisations, including the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), magistrates, the probation service, His Majesty's Prison Service as well as charities working with victims and offenders.

David Harris, 72, from Drayton, is a regular court watcher and on Thursday was spending his 1,277th day at the city's crown court.

Since he started attending court in Norwich, back in 2008, he has seen 30 murder trials - the 30th having ended last month when Wayne and Riley Peckham were convicted of murdering Matthew Rodwell in Downham Market last year.

Mr Harris, who started observing the work of the court when he lived in Lincoln in the 1970s, said: "I've always been interested in what happens.

"It must be so interesting for people who have never been here.

"I don't think people realise they can come here.

"To be open today can only be good for the courts.

"I think it's great. I think this will bring more people to the courts."

Charlene Hawes, 34, from Hellesdon went along with children Alfie, nine, Macey, six, and Bailey, three, after hearing about the event from a friend who works at the court.

She said: "It's nice, it's something different to see what goes on here really."

She said they enjoyed seeing the sniffer dogs which "were great".