County Court: take a tour of the cells and speak to a judge at Courts Open Day 2019
The cells that held the likes of gangland killer Carl Williams, drug dealers Tony Mokbel and Pasquale Barbaro and violent heroin dealer Dennis ‘Mr Death’ Allen are about to be opened for a rare one-off public viewing. Here’s how you can get a sneak peek.
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The County Court will throw open the doors of remand cells which housed some of Victoria’s most notorious prisoners.
The cells in the William St building basement, which held the likes of gangland killer Carl Williams, drug dealers Tony Mokbel and Pasquale Barbaro and violent heroin dealer Dennis ‘Mr Death’ Allen, will be opened for a rare public viewing.
Not even the Leader photographers were allowed a sneak peek — so if you want to see where convicted killers, drug dealers and other menaces scrawled their names, get to the County Court Courts Open Day on May 18.
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The rare behind-the-scenes, family friendly, free event will include a never before held ‘Talk to the Judge’ session.
County Court Chief Judge Peter Kidd said “open day” was a misleading title as courts are already open to the public.
“It’s more about directly engaging with the public and educating them about the court system,” Chief Judge Kidd said.
“No doubt there is an issue with the public’s understanding of how sentencing works but we will help the public really understand what we do for them.”
Chief Judge Kidd said ‘I Plead Guilty, Your Honour: A Day in the Life of an Accused’ will allow guests to go through the process of what it’s like to plead guilty to an offence.
“Visitors will be able to witness the mock arraignment, plea hearing, prosecution opening, defence submissions and judge’s sentencing,” he said.
Each participant will talk about their roles in the hearing and within the criminal justice system.
Some County Court judges will swap their robes for tongs to cook a barbecue for charity Berry Street.
“It’s the same day as the election so people will get two sausage sizzles,” Chief Judge Kidd said.
Courts Open Day is Saturday May 18 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Places for the event, which include food, drinks and games for children, are limited. It is part of the Victorian Law Foundation’s Law Week, which runs from May 13-19.
Details: lawweek.net.au
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