81. Lunch at the Old Bailey, Judges’ Dining Room, 27 November 2023

Each year the Sheriffs invite the Livery Masters to the Old Bailey, where the Sheriffs live, for lunch with the judges who preside there.  The Master Glover and I were greeted by Alderman and Sheriff Bronek Masojada in his rooms with a glass of champagne (guests only).  He then gave us a fascinating insight into the work of the City of London in commerce, conservation, community and courts. (This list may not be accurate as my note taking hand was occupied, and recording, taking pictures and the use of mobile phones was prohibited.)  He went on to say that the Central Criminal Court stands on the west gate of the Roman City of London and there had been a prison on the site from the 12^th century until final demolition in 1902.  The prison features in several Dickens novels.  The Old Bailley takes its name from the Norman “Baillie” or fortified place.

The Court was first built in 1539 and its jurisdiction covers England and Wales and British ships abroad. The court “attracts the most notorious of criminal, the most odious of crimes, the most eloquent of advocates and some of the finest of judges”.  Criminals convicted of the worst offences were taken to the pub across the street where they imbibed “one for the road” before travelling to Tyburn to be hung.  Those unfortunate not to have their neck broken in the drop slowly strangled unless they paid to “have their leg pulled”.  (Judges are good story tellers.)

HHJ Sarah Whitehouse KC then summarised the judicial system in England and the workings of the court.  There are now 18 Courts which handle about 1,700 cases each year.  We then had a discussion about the jury system which I had experienced on three occasions (as spokesperson, I hasten to add).  In many countries, including much of Europe, cases are determined by judges alone and we debated the benefits of both systems.

At lunch, surrounded by the Sheriff and Judges, it felt more like an interview board and I ensured I used the right cutlery.  Fortunately it was very relaxed and we talked about the history of the Water Conservators, energy, food (processed, green and cooking skills) and the quality of the mints.

After lunch HHJ Mark Lucraft KC, Recorder of London, invited us to his chambers where he briefed us on a case he was hearing involving two murders, and two attempted murders.  The defendants had used phones which could not be tracked but the prosecution alleged that they had all accessed the same computer to share information.  We then sat in the court watching and listening intently.  It was a fascinating case but unfortunately I did not have the attention for detail and the weeks required to follow it.

It was a fascinating and educational day.  I am very grateful to the Judges for their hospitality and the Sheriff for his invitation.