Old Bailey

[Willy Dangle]

Just reading another thread jogged me into sharing this with you all.

If you have never been and are looking for something different to do whilst in London then a couple of hours in the public gallery is a really good thing to do. It is a real eye opener and educational and free.

You just go in and ask security what is happening where and they tell you. To quote when we went she said 'this floor will bore you as it is only fraud, go to the top floor as the murderer is in session'.

I ended up following the rest of the case through the media, it was quite gripping.

 

[Raleigh Chopper]

I worked in London as a rep many years ago and had time on my hands so did exactly what you have said. But it did not work out so well for me.
I asked security for an interesting case and they directed me to a court.
The case was right at the horrible bit of a rape of a very young girl and she was being cross examined. After 45 mins or so the judge called a break and the accused was removed to a small room by the witness box with the door left open and right in line to where I was sitting. This horrible, greasy,dirty man clicked me and stared at me giring the wanker sign. At that point I had had enough and left, but on the way out the security guard said, are you happy now, felt awful,never forgotten it.

 

[patchamalbion]

i've been a dozen times and agree it's an incredible experience. can be a lot of waiting around at times you have to leave the court but it's a real eye opener, especially when you are often sitting in the gallary with family members.

can't take your phone in mind....cafe around the corner makes a mint

 

[Rich Suvner]

I work next to the Old Bailey and have been planning on doing such a visit for a little while
If I were to go tomorrow to see the case concerning the Albion players, is there a particular time slot for their hearing, or is it just back-to-back with the timings being flexible?

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I've been in the public gallery at Lewes Crown court when there was a murder trial on. It was the one in Crawley about 6 years ago where a woman was murdered and then her body set on fire.

 

[Aseros]

I work next to the Old Bailey and have been planning on doing such a visit for a little while
If I were to go tomorrow to see the case concerning the Albion players, is there a particular time slot for their hearing, or is it just back-to-back with the timings being flexible?

There is normally a time sheet posted near the entrance with the timings on. Since they are in court one i presume they are the only case, could be wrong though.

 

[Northstandite]

i've been a dozen times and agree it's an incredible experience. can be a lot of waiting around at times you have to leave the court but it's a real eye opener, especially when you are often sitting in the gallary with family members.

can't take your phone in mind....cafe around the corner makes a mint

After the 12th time, I assume you went straight.

 

[feller]

I work next to the Old Bailey and have been planning on doing such a visit for a little while
If I were to go tomorrow to see the case concerning the Albion players, is there a particular time slot for their hearing, or is it just back-to-back with the timings being flexible?

Just remember not to stand up and break into a stirring rendition of "GOSBTS" as they file into the dock. That may get frowned upon.

 

[Rich Suvner]

Just remember not to stand up and break into a stirring rendition of "GOSBTS" as they file into the dock. That may get frowned upon.

Who's the wanker in the wig

 

[FalmerforAll!**]

I did this a couple of years ago, commutted daily for a week to see a murder case.

Think it depends very much on the circumstances as to whether or not you'll enjoy it. I'm relatively patient and didn't get bored at any point, despite the fact there were 30 odd witnesses to this murder and they were all called to the stand and asked the same questions with pretty much all the same answers. Plus as someone said above, there are some extreme cases which are particularly unsettling, and I certainly couldn't stomach.

Worth it as an, "I did it" sort of thing.

 

[Willy Dangle]

That's right you cannot take anything in with you but the travel agent next to the public entrance will hold things secure for £1 an item. All above board and trustworthy.

 

[vegster]

Oh, can't you take your wool and knitting needles anymore ?

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

Who's the wanker in the wig

Surely the best song would be:
Goin' darrn, goin' darrn, goin' darrn ....

 

[GreersElbow]

In 2010, I got to hear Peter Sutcliffe's appeal at the RCJ. Obviously they said jog on. But the old Bailey is fascinating, it's well worth just popping into the magistrates' court to see what's happening..