Disabled mother wins court access victory

Cathy Reay

A woman prevented from seeing her son’s trial has won a disability discrimination case against her local court.

Donna Pearce attended Salisbury Guildhall Magistrates Court in 2006 for her son’s hearing. She said she had experienced difficulties in accessing the public building’s courtroom and services.

Mrs Pearce said: “I felt awkward and in the way most of the time, and ended up not being able to see my son’s hearing.”

The magistrates court agreed to alter the information given out on its summonses and that if any disabled persons wished to visit, an alternative courtroom could be used.

Mrs Pearce’s caseworker, Angela Truell, of the Avon and Bristol Law Centre, said: “Discrimination cases are always hard to win…In this case we are very pleased with the outcome for Mrs Pearce.”

A spokesman for the Courts Service said that the service was committed to ensuring that "as far as possible, all its court-houses and services meet Disability Discrimination Act obligations.

“All new courts contain excellent facilities for disabled people. Where it isn't possible to alter a court building because of its age or listed status, alternative venues or other solutions have been found to ensure full access to disabled court users.”