Past Events
Opening Up the Criminal Justice System
On the 20th November 2007, Gwent’s Criminal Justice agencies came together for an event entitled “Justice For All” at Newport’s Riverfront Theatre.
The event aimed to open up the Criminal Justice System and increase public understanding within black and minority ethnic (BME) communities and those who would not normally come into contact with the Criminal Justice System.
The event involved the main criminal justice agencies coming together to provide a walkthrough of the criminal justice process, from point of arrest by the Police, the Crown Prosecution Service bringing the case to court, the Courts Service passing judgement and onwards to the Probation Service guiding the convicted criminal through their sentence.
It is hoped that the event helped all in attendance understand that the CJS is a fully inclusive non-discriminatory service that acts on behalf of all communities that live in today’s diverse multicultural society.
GCJB Helps Gwent Police Celebrate 40 Years
On 24th June 2007 Gwent criminal justice board members were out in force at Gwent Police's annual Open Day.
Although the weather left a lot to be desired it didn't put off the crowds and many attended to learn more about the criminal justice system, get fingerprinted, and get their mugshot taken behind bars. The GCJB stand which included contributions from the Police, CPS, Magistrates in the Community, Gwent Probation Area, the Prison Service and Victim Support took the public on a journey through the criminal justice system from point of arrest to sentence.
The various sides of policing were also demonstrated including the police dogs in action, specialist officers demonstrating a house raid and laser firing by firearms officers. Visitors were also given the chance to meet their neighbourhood policing teams and speak to them about what they are doing to deliver safer communities and take a seat in the force helicopter!
Pupils With a Future in Criminal Justice?
On March 1st Cwmbran Magistrates Court played host to the 2007 Gwent Citizenship Foundation and Magistrates’ Association Schools Mock Trial Competition, opening the doors (and even the cells) to the three local schools competing.
The three Gwent schools (Abertillery, Abersychan and Glencoed) each took turns in the roles of prosecution, defence and sitting as magistrates on the bench. During each of the trials the pupils were assessed on their fulfilment of each role, from Court Clerk and Usher to prosecution/defence solicitors and witnesses.
The competition is based on a prepared case script, although each of the teams had the ability to identify and research alternate lines of questioning, resulting in three varied trials and an event where the hard work and enthusiasm of the pupils was clearly evident.
Although each school placed was first within one of their rounds, Abersychan were identified as overall winners, with what can only be described as a narrow victory in a toughly contested competition.
Each school received a commemorative shield and every pupil a certificate presented by Simon Boyle, Lord Lieutenant of Gwent. Abersychan will now go on to represent Gwent in the final in Cardiff in May.
GCJB Supports Diversity
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In October 2006, Gwent Criminal Justice Board celebrated Black History Month by sponsoring and participating in an all-day event hosted by SEWREC (South East Wales Race Equality Council).
Several activities took place throughout the day including a mock trial, African story telling, dj-ing and break dancing. There was also an exhibition of African art and a showing of 'Pressure', Britains first black feature film.
Martyn Morgan, Senior Crown Prosecutor and lead of the BME work stream for the GCJB said; "Being involved in an event like this gives the criminal justice agencies in Gwent a great opportunity to engage with ethnic communities and further develop our relationship with them. Our aim is to make ourselves accessible, listen to concerns and suggestions and raise awareness of ongoing local initiatives. By doing this and holding mock trial workshops we hope to demystify what we do and ultimately improve confidence in the Gwent criminal justice system."
CJS Staff Behind Bars
On Saturday 14th October 2006, Gwent criminal justice system staff left their luxuries at home to spend 12 hours in the life of a prisoner.
The 'lock-up' that took place in Newport Civic Centre cells from 8pm-8am was a sponsored event to raise money for the Victim Support helpline.
Volunteer 'prisoners' included Gwent staff from the CPS, HMCS and the Probation service who were kept under strict supervision by Reliance Prison Custody Officers.
Steps were taken to ensure the experience was as authentic as possible with prison food and borrowed blankets from Newport Central Police Station.
Lyn Harding, acting Area Director of HMCS, said: "It is important that Victim Support have the equipment and facilities they need... this lock-up will help them provide a better service to those out there who have the misfortune to be affected by criminal activity."
The event raised approximately £1500.
Specialist Domestic Violence Court Launch
Monday September 18th saw the official launch of the Specialist Domestic Violence Courts Programme in Gwent. The event bought together the key players in the criminal justice system including Gwent Police, CPS, Probation and Magistrates Association as well as supporting organisations such as BAWSO and Welsh Women's Aid.
It was held to raise awareness of the co-ordinated steps they are taking to address domestic violence in the county and to highlight the work they are doing towards greater victim safety, bringing more perpetrators to justice and creating safer communities.
It is the first programme to be rolled out in Wales and builds upon the success of Project Saff based in Caerphilly which was one of two specialist domestic violence pilots in the UK.
Chief Constable of Gwent Police and Chair of the Gwent Criminal Justice Board, Mike Tonge said: "We are very proud that Gwent is leading the way in Wales with a Specialist Domestic Violence Courts Programme and I am confident that this will provide victims of this crime with a high quality service along with support and advice from trained experts in this field. We take domestic violence very seriously and it is important to take steps to force a change in culture so that everyone understands it is not acceptable."
Top: Key Note speakers included Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration, Edwina Hart; Assistant Chief Officer, Gwent Probation and Chair of Pan Gwent Management Group, Carolyn Seymour; Managing Director of Newport City Council, Chris Freegard; Cllr Bob Bright, Leader of Newport City Council and Mike Tonge, Chief Constable, Gwent Police and Chair of Gwent Criminal Justice Board.
Gwent Police Open Day
What have German Shepherds, fingerprints, birds of prey, classic police cars, firearms displays, speed cameras, high tech equipment in high tech vehicles, neighbourhood policing teams, a helicopter and free children's entertainment got in common?
They were all found at the Gwent Police open day!
Gwent Police Headquarters opened its doors to the public on Sunday 18th June. More than 5000 visitors descended on the police site in Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran to get a closer look at different aspects of local policing and the criminal justice system.
Of course representatives from the Gwent Criminal Justice Board were there in full glory and used the opportunity to talk to local people about the work of the board as well as entertain the younger visitors with free face painting, balloon modelling and tattoo art!
Event Organiser, Ray Griffiths said, "It was a fantastic day out for all the family. It's a fun, entertaining and informative opportunity for the public to see what goes on behind the scenes at Gwent Police, how the justice system works and who our partners are. It was a very successful day."
3rd Anniversary for the GCJB
The Gwent Criminal Justice Board is celebrating its third anniversary this month.
The Board, even in its relatively short lifetime has witnessed huge changes in the criminal justice system and our initiatives demonstrate the determination of the agencies to work together to ensure that local priorities are delivered.
The future will bring different challenges and different targets for the board but strong commitment to victims and witnesses, bringing offenders to justice and building the confidence of the local communities in the criminal justice system remain integral parts of the overall objective of the GCJB.
The GCJB members (clockwise); Martyn Morgan, Howard Matthews, Robert Derricott, Steve Williams, Adrian Erasmus, Simon Boyle, Mike Tonge (Chairman), Mick Giannasi, Anthony Davies, Kate Emmens, Gary Griffiths, Hilary Williams and Jane Coates.
BME Young Achievers Awards 2006
On Wednesday 30th March 2006 the GCJB sponsored the BME Young Achievers Awards. The event was organised by VALREC (Valleys Race Equality Council) and was held at the Caerphilly County Borough Council offices in Tredomen.
This new Award scheme aims to recognise talented young black and ethnic minority people within the county borough of Caerphilly.
Awards were presented for academic, cultural and sporting excellence and to those who had made significant contributions to the community and caring for others.
From left to right:Kate Emmens and Anthony Davies represent the GCJB; Janet Wong, winner of the Contribution to the Community award; Ali Solhjoo won the Sporting achievement category and claimed Overall winner of the year; Sarah Adlan, winner of the Academic achievement award;
Citizenship Foundation Mock Trial Competition 2006
On Saturday 25th March 2006 Cwmbran Magistrates Court hosted the Citizenship Foundation Mock Trial Competition. Organised by HMCS, this years contest was between Abertillery and Bassaleg Schools.
The competition is based on a prepared case script and each school is required to provide three pupils to play the part of Magistrates, two prosecuting Solicitors, two defending Solicitors, two prosecution witnesses, two defence witnesses and a Court Clerk /Usher.
Much hard work and preparation was evident from both schools throughout the trial and competition was very close. Abertillery School managed a narrow victory.
From left to right: Bassaleg and Abertillery pupils stand trial; Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Simon Boyle presents winners of competition, Abertillery with shield; Bassaleg pupils show their certificates; Abertillery mock trial team