I AM aghast at our magistrates in York, for once again failing in their duties to us all as Scott Wilson walks free (March 16).

Let me remind the magistrates of some key qualities they must possess before applying to join the bench: social awareness; understanding of the local community and sound judgement.

I recommend that Joan Visick and Elizabeth Hjort stand down as magistrates and make way for new blood on the bench

R Lund,

The Wandle,

York.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, March 19, 2004