THE jury is still out on whether a new book by Rubery author Nick Psirides will be judged guilty of causing readers to split their sides laughing.

Nick, who has been a Justice of the Peace in Birmingham since 1988, is better known in Bromsgrove for his political work as leader of Bromsgrove District Council than for his talents as an author.

Now he has joined forces with fellow magistrate and well-known Birmingham cartoonist David Barlow to produce his first book, called Humour in Court.

Nick said it took a year to compile from stories and anecdotes gleaned from colleagues on the bench. He swears they are all true.

"The idea to put them into print came about when we were chatting at the end of a hard day in court," he said.

The net proceeds from the book, which is on sale at £5 at Ottakars bookshop, in Bromsgrove High Street, will be split between Victim Support, The Children's Society and St Basil's charity for the homeless, in Birmingham.

Nick, who took early retirement from Rover after working there 30 years, admits he refuses to take life too seriously - and is often accused of laughing too much.

"Courts are not known for being sources of humour," he said.

"But the self importance and pomposity of many of those engaged in the legal profession often needs bringing down to earth."

Sales so far are very encouraging, he added.