I was pleased to accept an invitation to a reception at the
Old Bailey to celebrate the work of volunteers who support defendant’s families
in Court. The event was in aid of “Pact” – a national charity that supports
prisoners, people with convictions and their families. The event was held in
the Judges Dining Room. It was opened by His Honour Nicholas Hilliard QC the
Recorder of London who welcomed the guests, among whom were a goodly number of
Livery Masters.
Among the speakers was the mother of a young man who had
been arrested, convicted and imprisoned. She told us of how Pact had helped her
and her family deal with the situation from the outset and throughout the
trial. She went on to say how they had intervened when the young man refused to
see his family and was on the verge of self harming in prison and how the
situation had then been normalised. A very moving account.
Following presentations to outstanding Pact volunteers we
split into groups and were given a tour of the Old Bailey, viewing an exposed
part of the original Roman Wall, the site of the old Newgate Prison and
gallows, and one of the original Court Rooms, ending up in the magnificent
Great Hall. A very interesting and thought provoking evening.
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