Rochdale Magistrates Court is ‘absolutely essential’ panel told

Rochdale Magistrates Court

“If it isn’t broken then don’t fix it” was the general consensus surrounding proposals to close Rochdale Magistrates Court at a meeting held this evening (Thursday 9 December 2010).

The meeting, held at the Rochdale Connection Trust on Drake Street was part of a public engagement programme to gather an understanding of people’s views on the future of summary justice and the role of magistrates.

The public involvement forum is a national scheme which will continue into the New Year as part of the 650th anniversary of the Justice of the Peace – the meeting also ties in with the forthcoming announcement about the closure of the Rochdale Magistrates Court.

The announcement comes next Tuesday (14 December 2010) as to whether or not the court will be closed and its work load transferred to Bury Magistrates Court.

Tonight a panel of experts listened to testimonials about the justice and the importance of the Magistrates Court.

The panel was chaired by Alistair Webster, QC. Sitting on the panel were John Thornhill of the Magistrates Association, Roma Hooper, Director of Make Justice Work, Sally Gimson, Head of Public Policy at Victim Support, Judge Timothy Clayson and John Crawforth from the Sentencing Guidelines Council.

In a series of twenty minute slots, five “evidence givers” stood up and spoke about their experiences of the criminal justice system.

First up was Kathy Thomas JP, Kathy spoke about the work that takes place at the Rochdale Connections Trust (RCT). She told the audience, made up of members of the public, Councillors and Magistrates, that the RCT is the result of Magistrates doing something about the problems in Rochdale. For Kathy a “local feel” is important when it comes to being a Magistrate. She said when she is on the bench at Rochdale she is able to picture the place an incident has happened, know the layout and understand what has gone on.

When asked why the Court should stay she replied: “It is absolutely essential.”

Kathy hopes to see more projects like RCT in the future. 

The next person to speak was Chief Superintendent John O’Hare. He spoke about the strong link his Force has with the Rochdale Magistrates. He said it is important they work together because they want justice. He also expressed how important it is for the Court to remain in Rochdale because the Magistrates are “so in touch with the community.”


The audience also heard the story of a victim of crime. Damien Kavanagh, 37, was subject to a horrific burglary. He had been recovering at the home of his parents following a hospital stay when his house was broken into and completely turned upside down. By the time he had been made aware of the incident more burglaries had taken place where his house was stripped bare leading to a huge flood. This happened in February 2010. Damien has still not returned to his house because the repair work isn’t finished.

He praised the police for their initial response but was disappointed at the lack of contact afterwards. He said he feels “stuck in the system” The burglar(s) have not yet been caught.

Damien answered the questions he was asked very honestly. He said he didn’t want offenders to be rehabilitated but to be punished. He wants the punishment to fit the crime.

Maria Albuquerque-Neale Probation Operations Manager also spoke about the work she and her team carry out in the community – how she has seen people change.

An example of a changed person was the final speaker for the evening, reformed offender Charlene Lawless.

Charlene was a heroin addict, she led a life of crime, she had five children, she wanted to change, after a spell in jail for GBH with intent she did change. She told the audience how there “were no excuses” for her behaviour. She said with the help of the probation service she has been able to turn her life around, she has completed a parenting course to keep her family stable, she has gained qualifications and she has got a job. All of which she puts down to the after support she received following her seven and a half months in prison.

When the questions went to the floor issues regarding the closure were once again raised. Concerns about the travel and the facilities were key points.

Vivien Carter, who organised the event, has this message for the people of Rochdale about the possible closure: “If you can put any pressure on then do – we have got to keep this local.”