BBC News
Alexandra Wilson, a 25-year-old Black criminal and family lawyer, received an apology from court officials after being mistaken for a defendant three times in one day at an English magistrates’ court. She was first searched for on a list of defendants upon arrival, then challenged by a security officer and two legal staff while attempting to enter the courtroom, and finally told by a member of the public that “only lawyers can go in.” Each time she identified herself as a barrister. HMCTS acting chief executive Kevin Sadler apologised, saying the behaviour was “totally unacceptable.” Wilson said the experience had made her realise “it’s not nice being a defendant in court” and stressed that “everyone should be treated with respect.”