A significant public lecture examining the increasing danger of child exploitation and county lines drug networks is scheduled for Oxford next month, organised by the charity Getting Court.

Dame Sara Thornton, who previously served as the UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and led Thames Valley Police as Chief Constable, will give the keynote address titled: Child Exploitation and County Lines.

The occasion commemorates the ten-year milestone of Getting Court, an organisation focused on helping young individuals navigate the justice system and steer clear of criminal routes.

The event is set for April 16 at 5.30pm in the Sir Kenneth Wheare Hall at Oxford Brookes Law School. Those wishing to attend should reach out to events@gettingcourt.com to obtain places.

Established in 2015, Getting Court was set up to bridge the shortfall in young people’s knowledge of the legal system.

The charity offers educational tours of Oxford Crown Court; initiatives that arrange visits to HMP Huntercombe prison; and programmes where current or former inmates visit schools.