CHRISTMAS in prison is just one of the memories brought to life as part of a Dorchester history project.

A retired sergeant has come forward to share his tales of Shire Hall’s Old Crown Court and Cells, which are being transformed in to a multi-million pound visitor centre if funding is granted.

Ray Sansom, 89, who remembers giving evidence at the court, has recorded his recollections as part of the Oral History Poject.

It is hoped that visitors will be able to listen to audio recordings from people like Mr Sansom to get a better feel of what the court, which closed in 1955, was like.

Mr Sansom said: “I’m pleased to think that my memories will be part of the history of the Old Crown Court. It’s a very good idea to turn it into a visitor centre.”

He added: “I remember a case just before Christmas 1947 when an old homeless man- they used to sleep in hay barns then- came along into Dorchester. We had to take him in because he’d kicked the glass out of a phone box.

“When he got into the dock he asked the magistrates ‘please your worships I could do with seven days as that will see me alright for hot meals over Christmas’.”

The court is famous for the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Thomas Hardy served as a magistrate there.

Joe Stevens, who is leading the Shire Hall Oral History Project, said: “It is fascinating to hear stories from the past.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who can remember what the court was like so I can capture and record their memories for posterity.”

If you have memories of the Shire Hall or Old Crown Court, call 01305 252226 or email joe@digital-works.co.uk