SEVEN new magistrates have been sworn in at a ceremony conducted by His Honour Judge Alistair McCreath at Worcester Crown Court.
Russell Williams, Harry Turner, Stephen Grant, Anthony Field, Paul Taylor-Bishop, Christine Cordon Jackson and Sarah Jane Horton will start presiding over cases at Worcester Magistrates Court from January.
The magistrates, who range in age from their mid-30s to their mid-60s, were among 42 who applied for the voluntary posts last November. They have been through several interview processes and the final seven have undergone five full day induction courses.
They have also been learning court procedure and observing court cases over the last few months.
The magistrates will now be expected to sit for a minimum of 26 half-days per year. Magistrate make their decisions based on guidance from legally trained court clerks.
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