A MAGISTRATE who made understanding youth crime his mission has retired.

Former physiotherapist Bob Trotter, from Startforth, near Barnard Castle, brought to a close a family tradition when he retired as chairman of the bench at Teesdale and Wear Valley Magistrates' Courts.

He was the third generation in his family to take up the duty, as Mr Trotter's mother and grandfather also worked at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court.

In his 23 years on the bench, Mr Trotter witnessed a startling rise in youth and drug crime.

He took a keen interest in the subject and became chairman of the Combined South West Durham Youth Panel and chairman of the bench at the Youth Court.

"Most youngsters aren't criminals, they're normal children until they form a drug habit and have to feed their habit," he said.

"It's the one area where you tend to be able to do a bit of good and maybe help them in regards to their welfare.

"We try and fix sentences that will help them, rather than punish them, although there is a stage where they have to be punished.

"I am most concerned about the amount of drug problems there are in Bishop Auckland. I don't think people realise how serious it is until it touches them in some way.