Access to the Courts

Mrs Donna Pearce, a wheelchair user represented by Avon and Bristol Law Centre successfully brought a claim for disability discrimination after experiencing problems in accessing both services and courtroom in her local magistrate's court.

Ludgershall resident, Mrs Donna Pearce has succeeded in her fight to make the magistrates court in Salisbury take account of disabled people’s access needs.

Mrs Pearce today announced the following information to the media:

Mrs Donna Pearce, a wheelchair user from Ludgershall, brought a claim for disability discrimination against Her Majesty’s Court Services in the County Court after experiencing problems in accessing both services and courtroom in the Magistrate’s Court, The Guildhall, Market Square, Salisbury, Wiltshire in Summer 2006.

After a considerable time, her case was settled, and compensation was given to Mrs Pearce by HMCS, along with all legal representational expenses to her solicitor and barrister.

The settlement was approved by the court on 13th June 2008.

The magistrate’s court agreed to alter the information it gave out on its summonses, and agreed, if anyone wishing to visit any hearing to contact them and an alternative court will be used.

Mrs Pearce says, “Everyone told me I was mad to take on Her Majesty’s Court Services but I had to, and I’m glad I did. So if this gives anyone out there some courage to stand up for their rights, then my (nearly) 2 years of taking this case on, was well worth it.

“I wish to thank everybody for their support and especially thank my solicitor and barrister who were great.”

Discrimination Caseworker, Angela Truell of the Avon and Bristol Law Centre said, “We are pleased for Mrs Pearce that this case was successfully concluded. Access to the courts for all disabled people is essential.”

Avon_and_Bristol_July_2008.doc

Published: Fri 25 Jul, 2008

In the News and Press section

Notes

The Avon and Bristol Law Centre is based at 2 Moon Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS2 8QE, tel: 0117 9248662, email:

The ABLC is part of the Law Centres Federation and specialises in housing, employment, disability discrimination, immigration, asylum and welfare benefits law.

Mrs Pearce was helped through the ABLC via the Disability Rights Project. Since the project started in June 2006 the ABLC has dealt with more than 160 queries and cases. These include access to hotels, pubs, clubs and shops, access to further education, access to buses and trains and the provision of information in accessible formats. The ABLC have also raised awareness through talks and training including providing speakers for AGMs including Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset. We have also undertaken half day courses for agencies in Bristol, North Somerset and Wiltshire.

More information about the ABLC can be found on our website: http://www.avonandbristollawcentre.org.uk/