THE consequences of irresponsible driving were laid bare in a mock court case aimed at educating Chester students on the workings of the legal system.

Cheshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit held the exercise at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday in partnership with Cheshire Police and the College of Law.

Based on a fatal road collision in Chester, the case explored the circumstances and consequences of irresponsible driving.

Sixth formers from Bishop Heber, The Bishop’s Blue Coat and Queen’s Park High made up the jury while their classmates observed the day-long trial.

The case was presided over by Judge Elgan Edwards, Recorder of Chester, while college students and police officers acted as expert witnesses.

The exercise was based on a real-life traffic collision following permission from the family involved. Names were changed.

Highways and transportation executive member Eveleigh Moore-Dutton said: “The mock trial demonstrated how the criminal justice system operates and the roles of different agencies, while the details of the case allowed the students to examine different traffic offences and the consequent penalties.

“The process was as true to life as possible to allow the students to establish their own views on how these collisions can be prevented and stress the importance of personal responsibility.”