A UNIVERSITY of Bradford student has won a smart after winning a mock trial competition.

Final year law student, Shaikhul Amin won the week-long mock trial competition, which commenced at the start of September.

The mock trial was in sponsorship with local law firm Proctor & Hobbs, to add a practical element to the course.

Shaikhul, who is passionate about law and would ultimately like to become a judge, said: “I want to say a big thank you to Proctor & Hobbs and the School of Law.

“I did not expect to win, but I tried my best, so I’m very grateful to everyone who voted for me.”

He added: “I haven’t driven the car yet as I’m not insured on it but I’m very much looking forward to doing so.”

The 20-year-old had to prepare to be an advocate in a live-streamed mock trial, along with five other finalists.

The winner was decided by a combination of votes from an expert panel and over 800 votes were cast by the public.

The smart car was presented at Proctor & Hobbs head office this week.

Aneesa Ehsan, a partner at Proctor & Hobbs and a graduate of the School of Law, said: “We are pleased that the first of a series of collaborations with the University has been successful.

“We had a difficult decision to make as the calibre of the students applying was very high.

“Our core principle is ‘the people's firm’, and have always strived to create as many opportunities as possible, so as to assist the local economy and support local talent.

“Following the successful Mock Trial Challenge, we expect to continue this as an annual event between Proctor & Hobbs Solicitors and the University of Bradford and are excited for the future.”

Mock trials are hoped to be part of the annual curriculum and will be held at the Lady Hale Court.

The university are working on making their law graduates the best in country by providing them experience in the field through working with solicitors and the Law Clinic.

Engobo Emeseh, Head of the School of Law said: “It’s an honour and privilege to be part of the first ever University of Bradford and Proctor & Hobbs mock trial competition.

“I want to thank Proctor & Hobbs for giving us this opportunity and for sponsoring the event.

“They are a firm rooted in the community who wanted to give something back.

“We have fantastic students at the University of Bradford, and we wanted to showcase that - this was about providing a platform to show what they can do.”

Runners-up, Babita Dhand, Wiktoria Lenkiewick, Katie Siobhan and Tamarakuro (Tkay) Agama all received chocolates as well as a £250 amazon voucher.

Prof Amir Sharif, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences said: “This has been a challenging year for staff and students, so well done to all those who took part.”