The morning before Christmas Day in Manchester sees the local Magistrates’ Court busy with various cases, ranging from minor offences to serious crimes.

Defendants and families wait in a stark environment, surrounded by metallic seating and posters about drink driving courses, as court ushers and clerks manage multiple proceedings.

In a quieter section of the court lies the Youth Court, dedicated to handling cases of young offenders. This space is private, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are treated with understanding and care.

During recent sessions, a 17-year-old boy appeared charged with robbery. He faced trial next year and was granted bail under strict conditions, including mandatory check-ins at his local police station every weekend.

Although he missed one appointment, the boy explained to officers that he had been unable to attend due to his clothes being in the dryer. This marked his second bail breach.

District Judge Lucy Hogarth, presiding over the court, highlighted the seriousness of his charges and the importance of adhering to bail conditions, warning him of severe consequences should he breach again.

The judge reminded him that breaching bail during the holiday period could lead to spending Christmas in custody. After hearing this, the boy was released, having nodded his understanding of the gravity of his situation.

Throughout the festive season, many young offenders, like the aforementioned, were presented in court. None could be identified due to their age. Some had family support, while others were accompanied by support workers.

One 16-year-old had traveled three hours to attend a case management hearing, bringing family with him for encouragement. His case was postponed as he faced other charges in a different region.

As he exited, the youth cheerfully wished the court, “Happy Christmas!”

In contrast, a 15-year-old boy stood before the court for breaching his bail conditions, not to enter Manchester city centre. His grandmother, with limited English, relied on him for translation during proceedings.

Drawn by temptation, he wandered away from his caretakers while visiting the Christmas Markets and stole a £20 note from a collection box at St Anne’s Church.

As Judge Hogarth addressed him, she noted the seriousness of his actions, prompting tears from his grandmother as he expressed his remorse and apologized profusely.

The boy promised to repay the stolen amount, and the judge, recognizing it as his first breach, allowed him bail while cautioning him about future conduct.

Another case involved a 17-year-old who breached his electronic monitoring by returning home late. With aspirations of completing his education, he was subsequently remanded until the following Monday, December 23, for this infringement.

Judge Hogarth noted that while his breach wasn’t severe, it still posed the risk of police intervention over the holidays. The boy assured the judge that he understood the importance of adhering to his bail conditions.

As the day concluded, the Youth Court cases wrapped up, with the judge offering assistance to other busy courtrooms. Meanwhile, many other defendants were still awaiting their hearings, with uncertain prospects for a festive homecoming.