DEFENDANTS will be facing three new magistrates in York courts.
Dr David John Belbin, Anne Devaney and Paul Ironmonger formally became justices of the peace after taking an oath of office in a ceremony at York Magistrates Court.
It was witnessed by former and present magistrates; the Lord Mayor of York, Coun David Horton, who is himself a magistrate; and the Sheriff of York, Coun Martin Brumby.
The Chairman of the Bench, Dr Peter Hogarth, thanked their employers and families for supporting them and giving them the time to sit on the Bench and train, and deputy justices clerk Glyn Simpson wished them sound judgement.
York defence solicitor Sandra Keen said she was sure the majority of her colleagues would do their very best to assist the newcomers, and prosecutor David Tucker said they would be protecting the human rights of defendants and victims.
Updated: 10:38 Wednesday, April 30, 2003
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