Area plea for more magistrates

A Spalding magistrate who has been sitting in courts for 20 years is at the front of a campaign for more volunteers to take on the role in the county.

Nigel Hancocks has been speaking of his love for the role as part of the Ministry of Justice’s drive to increase the number of magistrates.
He is a retired logistics trainer and former fireman who became interested in the law after his colleague in the fire service became a magistrate in the 1970s.
He has now been a magistrate for more than 20 years, serving in the Lincolnshire justice area.
“I wanted to expand my horizons and give back to the wider community,” he said. “One of the best parts of becoming a magistrate is that I am able to fit this voluntary role around my work and other commitments.
“I love that you do not need legal qualifications or experience to be a magistrate, as it emboldens normal people to serve their local communities as ‘one of them’.
“If you have the ability to listen without judgement to the facts of a case, as well as work in a small team, being a magistrate can be one of the most rewarding voluntary roles you can do!”
Nigel is part of the Ministry of Justice’s bid to recruit 5,000 new magistrates across the country.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice, said: “Whether a family or criminal court magistrate, whichever role volunteers take up, magistrates regularly make decisions that will shape the lives of individuals for years to come.
“People from all walks of life in Lincolnshire are being urged to consider becoming magistrates as applications open in Lincolnshire for this vital role.
“No legal qualifications or experience is required to be a magistrate, but volunteers will work closely with two other magistrates and a legal advisor, who offers guidance on the law.
“The role also gives people a chance to give back to their community, build relationships with new people and develop new skills.
“From teachers to electricians, to stay-at-home parents, anyone aged between 18 and 70 who can commit to at least 13 days a year for at least five years is encouraged to come forward.”