An audience was given quiz show-style keypads to take on the role of a judge in meting out punishments.

The Bradford event, aimed at giving the public a better understanding of the Criminal Justice System, used anonymous examples of real cases that had been dealt with by the courts.

In a simulated court, Judge Christopher Prince heard the cases outlined by area crown prosecutor Richard Firth and defence solicitor Sarah Barlow.

The audience, which included councillors, NHS staff, law students and the police authority as well as the public, were asked to vote from a list of sentences. Then Judge Prince revealed the actual sentence.

You Be The Judge at Carlisle Business Centre in Manningham, yesterday was held as part of Inside Justice Week.

One of the cases, called R v Temple, involved a defendant facing a charge of actual bodily harm after assaulting a nurse who was treating him after he was attacked walking home from the pub.

It was heard how Temple's life had fallen apart and he had a drinking problem.

Some 94 per cent of the public voted for a non-custodial sentence, either a fine of £500 and compensation paid to the nurse, or a community order. But Judge Prince revealed that the actual case had resulted in a 12-month prison term, and expressed surprise at the leniency of the public's sentencing.

Dyfed Foulkes, area director of Her Majesty's Court Service, said he believed the exercise had provided people with a better understanding of the system.

He said: "I thought the interaction with the participants and the judge was very worthwhile and drew out a lot of interesting and informative points.

"At the end of the event participants indicated very strongly that they had a better understanding of the sentencing process which was really the main objective of this exercise."

A poll at the end of the event revealed 96 per cent of the audience thought their knowledge of sentencing had increased during the day. However, 38 per cent were still not very confident' that the Criminal Justice System was effective in bringing people to justice.

Councillor Mark Burns-Williamson, chairman of West Yorkshire Police Authority, said: "As the body that sets the strategic direction and agrees the budget for West Yorkshire Police it is important that the Police Authority understands the priorities for the Force when it works in partnership with other agencies."

When taking questions from the floor, Judge Prince was faced with a number of highly sensitive issues, such as the numbers of people in prison and the rehabilitative effects of custodial sentences.

As part of the Inside Justice Week, Bradford students will find out more about the criminal justice system at a careers and awareness event tomorrow.

The event, at the Atrium between 10am and 2pm, will see representatives from the major criminal justice agencies attend to answer questions, talk about career opportunities and give away information packs and freebies.