A LONG serving magistrate sat on the bench one last time yesterday before retiring on his 70th birthday.
Harry Fletcher, from Shildon, joined the Sedgefield bench of South Durham Magistrates Court in 1990, serving in youth and adult courts, and became a mentor for new magistrates.
Members of the justice system, court staff, and past and present magistrates packed into Newton Aycliffe’s public gallery to pay tribute to Mr Fletcher on his final day at court yesterday.
Fellow magistrate and county councillor Anita Savory said: "Harry deals with magistrates, court users and even defendants with the utmost courtesy while also retaining a sense of humour.
"He will be greatly missed by everyone."
An emotional Mr Fletcher said he never tired of the court process, and expressed his respect for everyone involved in the justice system.
Seventy is the compulsory retirement age for magistrates.
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