COURT is open, m'luds!The opportunity to see travel through the legal system and visit Ipswich Crown Court on an open day proved popular for hundreds of curious and interested visitors at the weekend.

COURT is open, m'luds!

The opportunity to see travel through the legal system and visit Ipswich Crown Court on an open day proved popular for hundreds of curious and interested visitors at the weekend.

Some of the mystery was taken out of the hallowed corridors and court rooms as staff were on hand to explain procedure.

There was also a mock court case showing the journey of an accused person through the criminal justice system as well as a presentation of the virtual juror.

Ross Taylor, court manager at Ipswich Crown Court said: "The aim of this open day is to take the mystery out of the criminal justice system.

"People read about offenders getting sentenced but they don't really understand the process which gets them there.

"We want the courts to be thought of as part of the community just like the police station."

The open day held at the court on Civic Drive on Saturday proved a great success with people of all ages making the most of the information on hand.

In the second such open day, cameras were also allowed in the court – something normally banned when the court is sitting for real.

Representatives of other criminal justice agencies, such as the probation service, victim support, the law society and Crimestoppers were there giving advice to visitors and explaining their roles in the process.

A popular attraction for children proved to be the chance to sit in a police traffic car and the prison van located in the car park.

"It was nice to see people actually queuing to get in," said Mr Taylor.