Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court

Very well looked after by the lady from Witness service. Made to feel comfortable.
May 1st, 2023

Had to be there for 9.30am, then left waiting till 2.45pm, with no information. Security let me through in morning with handbag intact, afternoon visit same bag took something out, no consistency. Not impressed.
Apr 7th, 2023

Waiting time for the court can get all day. Not nice judge and old ladies next to him laughing in your face! Lemon awful faces. I dont recommend
Mar 31st, 2023

Mar 15th, 2023

I took out a non molestation order against my abusive ex partner and had to attend the hearing at this court. Our names were not on the board that listed all hearings that day for some unknown reason. My solicitor requested special measures be in place to keep me safe from my abuser whilst in court. However, I was left in the waiting area for an extended period of time and no separate room/ area was provided by the court. Horrifyingly my violent ex knowingly walked into the area I was sitting, likely done to intimidate me. I can't stress enough the importance of protecting victims of domestic violence, as even so much as seeing your abuser can be traumatising. The courts failings on that day could easily have resulted in another assault. Thankfully my barrister was with me and had words with my ex partner's representative. In the actual court room I was hidden from my abuser behind a curtain before she entered; she was escorted out before the curtain was drawn back, and she had to leave the court via a different entrance/ exit. While I feel every measure to protect me in the court room was in place, not enough was done prior to the hearing.
Mar 13th, 2023