07/10/2026
What an absolutely enthralling speaker we had tonight: Marguerite Collins talking about working at the Worcester Courts. She told us about some of the cases that she had been involved with & totally drew us into the scene. I thought I was there!!!
During her time with the courts, there have been several developments with technology such as CCTV, mobile phones & computers, video links as well as DNA.
Marguerite told us about various ploys that some defendants used to gain sympathy from the court, such as a walking stick. One defendant had two oxygen cylinders on his back but that was foiled when he asked to go outside for a smoke!!!
She mentioned a case in Hereford which involved a husband attempting to murder his wife. Seems he had a secret vehicle which he used in a hit & run but claimed he was actually out running. He actually had another wife in Glasgow, as well as two young children. He was found guilty.
One of our members asked a great question about interpreters for foreign speakers. All interpreters are professionals & have to vetted. Also the interpreter used at the police station, for instance, would be different to the one used in court.
All in all, a brilliant talk, thank you Marguerite.
We also welcomed a new member 😁 ....
