Courts system in desperate need of more magistrates

BOSSES SAY THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH WORKING-CLASS, BLACK OR ASIAN JPs

IT is the first line of justice in Greater Manchester – local people sitting in judgement of fellow citizens.

But its ranks urgently need reinforcements.

The stereotype of a magistrate is white, male and semi-retired, but new volunteers from all backgrounds are being sought to plug the gap – and improve diversity.

Bosses want more working-class, black and Asian people to sit on the bench to better represent the region.

Greater Manchester has 110 justices of the peace (JPs) of non-white British origin out of 850 – just 13 per cent.

Around 99 per cent of all criminal cases originate in the magistrates’ courts, 95pc of which are concluded there.

The system is at risk of collapse unless more JPs are found.

Magistrates are unpaid, aside from travel allowances, but volunteer in the knowledge their sacrifice helps uphold a British tradition established more than 600 years ago.

Larry Collier, chairman of the Greater Manchester Bench, said: “Any bench of magistrates should, in its make-up, reflect the diversity of the community it serves.

“The work undertaken by magistrates is important to the community and can be both demanding and interesting.”

The region now has five courthouses – in Bolton, Manchester, Stockport, Tameside and Wigan.

Magistrates sit as a bench of one, two or three depending on the court and jurisdiction, which mainly covers crime, youth crime and family issues.

Sarah Florendine, 44, sits at Manchester and Salford magistrates court, dealing with crimes ranging from uninsured driving to blue badge fraud to serious assault, domestic violence, robbery, dangerous driving and possession of class A drugs.

“You have to be sensible, of good character, and quite calm,” she said.

“You have to have no fear or favour and treat everyone the same.

“You can’t treat someone who appears in a suit any different from someone in a tracksuit.

“You have to adopt a very level playing field and treat people fairly.”

Mr Collier added: “As a magistrate you need to demonstrate a number of key qualities and have the commitment to give up a minimum of 13 days each year for sittings – and a number of additional days for training.

“Although there are a few restrictions on who can become a magistrate – including a minimum and maximum age – we encourage applications from anybody who feels they have the qualities and commitment to be a magistrate.”

To find out how to become a magistrate, visit gov.uk/becomemagistrate.