STUDENTS from the University of Strathclyde’s MSc Media, Crime & Violence course heard first-hand about what it’s like to be a Sheriff at one of Scotland’s busiest courts.
The group had been observing a remand court in action at Glasgow Sheriff Court when the presiding Sheriff, Sheriff Gerard Bonnar, came off the bench and kindly offered to answer questions. The trip, organised by Journalism, Media and Communication Teaching Associate, Jane Barrie, was months in the planning and a hugely valuable experience.
Jane, a journalist and practising solicitor, said: “We’d observed at least 10 cases concluding over a period of just a few hours.
“This was a fast-paced sentencing court, and we were right at the heart of the action. “Many of the accused were already in custody and came from cells with a police officer to the dock for sentencing.
"Some of those accused then returned to prison.
“Lives changed in that court, and it was such a privilege to be able to watch proceedings unfold and for students to apply this to their learning within Media, Crime and Violence.
“We couldn’t believe it when Sheriff Bonnar took time to speak with us once proceedings had concluded.
“We can’t thank him enough for passing on his insight and expertise – especially after such a busy court. What an end to the day!”
The visit on February 27, was followed by a debrief and discussion outside the court. Future visits are planned to augment students’ learning.
One of the students who attended, Jo Fitzpatrick, found the experience invaluable.
She said: "It was so different to how I imagined. “We got a snapshot of what can be quite a long day. “It was good to see the environment and how it can be quite intense and quite difficult.”
Adam Hunter said: "The court is something you see all the time in the media and on the TV. “But seeing it first hand was a really interesting and cool experience.”
Muhammad Mahmood Talib, added: "This is the first time I have visited the Sheriff court in Glasgow. “It is very strict and punctual – and I really appreciate the University organising this to bolster our learning about Media, Crime and Violence.”