Phew...Simon De Montfort is NOT guilty of treason as students put university's namesake on trial

It took 750 years... and the verdict is finally in! Simon De Montfort has been found NOT guilty of treason by forming the first Parliament in 1265.

Students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) excelled themselves by showing off their legal and debating skills as they staged a mock trial to answer the question “by calling the first Parliament did Simon de Montfort commit treason?” – a question posed because Montfort had captured Henry III in battle and held him prisoner before the Parliament was called.

The student prosecution and defence teams were presided over by Supreme Court Judge Lord Sumption, one of Britain’s great legal minds, in front of a jury of 10 people made up of academics, staff and members of the public.

After an hour-long legal battle, interspersed by the inquiring wit of Lord Sumption and the calling of witnesses, the jury delivered their verdict: NOT GUILTY.

The outcome was met with cheers from an audience of 200 people that included not only students and staff but mayors, council chairs and Lady Gretton, who, as Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, is the Queen’s representative in the city and county.

Lord Sumption, who at times had the audience bursting into laughter with his observations, concluded: “If Simon De Montfort had been bothered to turn up he would be leaving with not a stain on his character.

“Many a scoundrel has done good things by accident. And I believe Simon de Montfort was a scoundrel.”

The defence team was delighted to have won the legal battle with team captain Courtney Bent, who studies LLB Law, saying: “I think the result is a reflection of the months we spent preparing for the trial. The hard work has paid off.  It was nerve wracking to be fronting the prosecution in front of a Supreme Court Judge but it was also our chance to impress him. I am convinced the right team won.”

Fellow defence team member Elena Malajko, a post-grad studying International Law, added: “I feel amazing about winning. The gut-wrenching nervous feeling I had has dissolved into ecstasy! It feels such an honour to have taken part. There is so much we have learned on the way too.”

Prosecution team member Odogwu Irene Anastacia Oby, known as Stacey, is studying an MSc in Project Management. She said: “I felt Simon de Montfort did commit treason but I do have to say I think it was a fair judgement in the end. This was an amazing opportunity for us all and I was so glad to be given the chance to take part.”

DMU cleaning supervisor and jury member Erica Mortimer said the event was “an experience I will never forget” adding “I met the most amazing people and had my picture taken with Lord Sumption.”

Members of the public praised the event and the students’ hard work.

“I thought it was tremendous,” said Sarah Ward from Leicester. “On the evidence, I would have voted guilty but I was hoping he was going to be the father of democracy. It was a great thing for the university, and what an opportunity for the students to present in front of a Supreme Court judge.”

David Short, of Leicester, added: “I thought that it was brilliant. I think the public events that De Montfort University puts on are fantastic – tonight has been entertaining and light-hearted but there is a lot of thought and research behind it. The students were very, very impressive.”   

Prosecuting the case were Law students George Emery, Kelly England and Jasmin Mohammed, Stacy Odogwu, and Alpesh Jethwa, who is studying Law and Criminal Justice. 

Defending Simon de Montfort were Courtney Bent, Nadia Kobarenko, Dale Ghanem, all LLB Law students, and Elena Malajko.

The event is part of celebrations at DMU and around Britain to mark the 750th anniversary of the first Parliament being called by Montfort.