A PART-time judge faced an uncertain future last night after failing to clear his name following a late-night fracas.

Solicitor David Messenger lost his appeal against convictions for obstructing a police officer and being drunk and disorderly after a three-day hearing at York Crown Court.

Now he must defend himself before the highest level of the judiciary to find out what his professional future holds.

Following the upholding of the convictions, the Lord Chancellor will consider the implication for Messenger's role as a deputy district judge.

A spokesman for the Department of Constitutional Affairs said: "In line with established disciplinary procedures, the judge himself will be asked to make representations prior to any decision being made."

The charges related to an incident at a kebab shop in Scarborough, where Messenger has offices in Valley Bridge Parade.

He was convicted after a trial at Selby magistrates court last September.

Judge Paul Hoffman, at the appeal hearing, said Messenger should be mindful of the "dignity and decorum" required from holders of judicial office.

He criticised Messenger's attempts to pull rank on the police officers, who "skilfully and tactfully calmed the situation down".

Messenger, 49, had denied he was drunk and had obstructed PC Mark Whitehouse and PC Patrick Miller on May 2.

He has 28 days to pay four fines of £800 and must meet costs of more than £6,168.75 for the original trial and an additional £2,200 for the appeal.

Compensation of £180 must also be paid to North Yorkshire Police for criminal damage to a bell push at Scarborough police station, a conviction Messenger did not contest.