Two-hundred people packed out Usk courtroom to see magistrates and solicitors from all over Gwent act out real-life Victorian trials – and witness justice 19th century style.

The onlookers at Sessions House cheered and jeered as harsh sentences – ranging from transportation to imprisonment with hard labour – were handed out in the historic courtroom.

The trials, which were adapted from actual transcripts, included neighbourhood disputes, stabbings and passing counterfeit coins,

"The event was organised to celebrate 650 years of magistrates in the UK and was an incredible success," said Revis Williams, one of the magistrates who donned period costume to take part.

For full story see Beacon 21/09/11.