A NEGLECTED white rabbit had to be put down by vets, a court has heard.

But fortunately the case, heard at Swindon Magistrates Court on Saturday, was makebelieve.

Sitting on the front bench were no solicitors or barristers but students from schools in Swindon and Marlborough as part of the Local Heats for Mock Trial Competition.

The students, who had carefully prepared legal teams and witnesses, cross-examined and questioned witnesses as they defended and prosecuted Sam Beatter - the made-up character accused of neglecting an unnamed white rabbit.

Students from Kingsdown and Ridgeway schools in Swindon and St John's School and Community College in Marlborough took on each other in three rounds in an attempt to prosecute and defend the accused, while being judged by magistrates Diane Crockett, Dwight Doyley and Angie Watts.

Ms Crockett said: "It was a very difficult decision on which team was the winner. We had to score the students out of 10 on how they presented their case, how they examined witnesses and how dignified they did it."

Mr Doyley said: "We have been very impressed by the students today. Some of them put their cases across just as well as the real solicitors we see in here. I have no doubt there are some rising legal stars in here today."

Taking the top prize was the Marlborough school, and each student on the team was awarded a certificate by Judge Charles Wade, who dressed especially for the occasion.

Student Ellie Blackwell, 14, said: "It's been a real eye-opener into how the courts and the legal system works - a really fun experience.

Ben Cooper, the youngest participant on the day, aged 11, said: "It was a lot of fun, but I don't think I would want to work in law. It was definitely a fun day though."

Sharon Graham, court manager, said: "It's been a good day for all the students and the staff too. Every day of the week we are doing a serious job so it's good to take a more light-hearted approach to it on days like this.

"It is a competition taken very seriously by schools, as part of citizenship education and everyone put in a great deal of effort. Hopefully we won't see any of the students here during our real working days."

The next round of the competition takes place on May 19 when eight schools will attend the magistrates court for the regional round of the competition.