A MAN who swapped his every day life for the courtroom to help to administer justice across Essex is urging others to consider doing the same.

Charlie Palmer, 51, from Colchester has served as a magistrate for the last three years.

He signed up to be involved in court cases so they could make a contribution to the society they live in.

They are urging people to consider taking on the role as part of a national campaign to recruit magistrates.

Mr Palmer said: "As a magistrate you hold the ability to change someone’s life.

"It’s incredibly rewarding to support people to better their lives and send them on a more positive path.

"It’s a chance to represent your community, take action for good, and help to ensure fair hearings and justice for all.

"If you’re interested in becoming a magistrate but worried you don’t have the right experience, don’t be. You don’t need any specific qualifications and you’ll be given all the training you need.”

Stephen Cummins, 50, from Southend, has also been a magistrates for three years.

 

Justice - Stephen Cummins

Justice - Stephen Cummins

 

Mr Cummins, who is a financial services information architect, said: "Don’t be intimidated, anyone with the right qualities can be a magistrate.

"You don’t need special qualifications and you get all the training and support you need. You need to be a good listener – that’s the most important thing – and fair.

"It’s very fulfilling and stimulates all parts of your brain - intellectual, moral, social and emotional.”

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The campaign aims to attract people from a wide range of backgrounds from teachers to bricklayers, to stay-at-home mums.

It seeks to make the court system more representative of the communities it serves and will specifically target younger people.

In Essex 55.7 per cent of magistrates are women.

Data shows only 5.9 per cent of magistrates in the county are under 40 and only 5.5 per cent identify as Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority.

Magistrates make life-changing decisions in cases as varied as fraud and sexual assault.

The work is voluntary with individuals expected to dedicate a minimum of 13 days a year service, meaning many magistrates can do the tole easily alongside full-time employment and caring responsibilities.

To find out more visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk.