TEENAGERS were standing in the dock while their classmates handed out prison sentences after listening to 14-year-old lawyers fight their case. Four secondary schools from across Cornwall took part in the mock trial competition at Truro Magistrates' Court.

Richard Lander School in Truro, Torpoint Community College, Liskeard School and Community College and Pool Business and Enterprise College all entered students in to the local heat. Defending winners Richard Lander had to hand the shield over to Liskeard School and Community College who were the 2010 winners.

Students will compete in the regional finals in May in Chippenham, Wiltshire and if successful they will compete in the final in Birmingham in June. Students took on the roles of witnesses, lawyers, magistrates and court staff during the event which aims to introduce young people to the court system.

Caroline Tetley, the local organiser, said: "Truro Magistrates' Court is proud to be hosting a local heat for the competition.

"Cornwall magistrates really enjoy working with young people from local schools and have already visited a number of schools to conduct presentations about the magistracy."