STUDENTS have been experiencing the long arm of the law in an innovative new video designed to give an insight into local magistrates courts.

The video is the brainchild of St Helens Magistrates' Service, who enlisted the help of HND students from the School of Arts, Media and Design at St Helens College, to film the mock courtroom drama scenes.

And it is hoped that the video, scheduled to be available by Easter, will be used as a teaching aid by magistrates when visiting schools and colleges in the St Helens area.

All the principal characters in the case, which is based on an actual shoplifting trial, are played by real policemen, magistrates and solicitors; although the accused is played by a student at the college.

Five students, assisted by Millard Parkinson, development manager for Higher Education in Media, helped to script, direct and record the video which has two possible outcomes - the fate of the accused is then left resting in the hands of the audience.

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