By David Nicolle

WILTSHIRE'S newest magistrates are calling on people who might never have considered joining their ranks to put aside any reservations and apply.

They are keen to shatter the belief that their work is shrouded in secrecy and open only to the select few - and they also want to reach out to all corners of their local justice area, or bench' as it is known.

Football played a role in the selection of recently appointed Michael Greenyer, a part-time referee.

He applied after being told his experience with teams and team building was invaluable.

Mr Greenyer said: "People need to realise that colour, creed, or background is not relevant - they can still get through and be a valued member of a team which really makes a difference."

Another newly appointed magistrate is mother-of-three Katie Birks.

She said: "I never went to university and didn't even get an A-level, as I got married and started a family when I was very young.

"I have always wanted to be a magistrate so, as the children got older, I decided to apply."

No prior legal knowledge is necessary, as training follows selection and takes place before sitting commences.

Fellow magistrate Ed Coupe was forced to retire from teaching through ill health. Now he helps people with rent, mortgage and council tax arrears, as well as credit card debts and the increasing problem of personal bankruptcy.

Mr Coupe admitted it was a bit of an eye-opener when he first met his fellow recruits. "I was particularly surprised at what a varied bunch we were - and I also couldn't believe how young some were."

The area's selection committee chairman John Le Quesne said: "It helps if people are involved in their community, good listeners, able to think clearly and fair-minded."

New magistrates are assigned a mentor for the first 12 to 18 months, to help build confidence by providing a direct line to advice from an experienced magistrate. There are currently around 30,000 magistrates in England and Wales. Also known as justices of the peace, 63 sit in south-east Wiltshire, which covers the Salisbury area.

All are required for at least 26 half-day court sessions each year.

However, as with many local benches, the majority of their sittings are for the whole day.

All criminal cases start and about 97 per cent are concluded in magistrates' courts.

The other three per cent is made up of the most serious crimes, including murder, rape and robbery, which have to be sent to Crown Court for trial.

Magistrates also have to deal with family and other civil cases and, outside the courtroom, are required to attend bench meetings.

For further information about becoming a magistrate, call 01225 713103 for an information pack or an application form, or log on to www.magistrates.gov.uk, or www.magistrates-association.org.uk.

  • David Nicolle JP is a Wiltshire magistrate.