(Image: Ministry of Justice)
A retired civil servant who has spent more than four decades delivering justice is urging more people in the North East to become magistrates.
Dorothy Winter, 74, has been a magistrate for 42 years and will retire in February when she turns 75.
She is using her final months in the role to back the Government’s new campaign.
Ms Winter said: "Being a magistrate has given me a much deeper understanding of people and their circumstances.
"You quickly learn not to prejudge anyone because you never know what challenges they've faced.
"Understanding that doesn't excuse offending, but it helps you make fair and balanced decisions.
"One of the most rewarding things has been meeting people from all walks of life and learning from their experiences.
"Every magistrate brings something different to the role."
Ms Winter became a magistrate in October 1984, aged 32, after a colleague at HM Land Registry urged her to apply.
She believes people from every background should step forward and serve their communities.
Ms Winter said: "People keep asking what I'll do when I retire, but I don't think boredom is going to be a problem.
"I still chair a local charity, support my church, and I love travelling.
"One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need legal qualifications.
"You don't.
"We have legal advisers for the law.
"What we're looking for is sound common sense, fairness, and a willingness to learn.
"With the training and support available, people from all backgrounds can make an excellent magistrate.
"If you're prepared to listen, consider the evidence, and make decisions fairly, then being a magistrate could be one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do."
Ms Winter is backing the ‘You’ve got the makings of a magistrate’ campaign, launched nationally on September 24.
The campaign says everyday skills such as empathy, teamwork and sound judgment are what magistrates need.
It is part of the Government’s plan to build a 21,000-strong magistracy by 2028/29.
Campaign research has exposed widespread misconceptions about the role.
Only 32 per cent of adults knew magistrates are trained community volunteers, while 61 per cent wrongly thought they were paid legal professionals.
Even so, about half believed they had the skills to become magistrates.
When shown the qualities required, more respondents recognised them in themselves: fair judgment (75 per cent), listening skills (72 per cent), staying calm under pressure (64 per cent), empathy (62 per cent) and problem-solving (60 per cent).
Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC MP said: "Many people think becoming a magistrate isn't for them.
"But magistrates are ordinary members of the public making an extraordinary contribution to their communities.
"If you're fair-minded, able to make balanced decisions, and work well as part of a team, you already have the makings of a magistrate.
"This is about local people delivering local justice.
"It hands real power and real trust to local people, so that justice is decided by the community it serves."
Magistrates make decisions affecting real people, hear around 95 per cent of criminal cases, volunteer for at least 13 days a year and receive full training and legal advice.
Catherine Feast, chief executive of the Magistrates’ Association, said: "A good magistrate is a team player, a problem-solver, a good listener, and shows good judgment and empathy in court.
"These are qualities that many people have, and we’d encourage anyone who thinks they have what it takes to do this demanding but rewarding role, to take the next step and apply to become a magistrate."
Ms Winter says the role benefits communities and helps magistrates grow personally.
She said: "Over the years, changes have brought greater consistency and transparency to the justice system.
"When I started, we simply announced decisions.
"Today we explain exactly how we reached them, and I think that's an important improvement."
Ms Winter said her time on the bench had also helped her career.
She said: "One of the most rewarding things has been meeting people from all walks of life and learning from their experiences."
Ms Winter, the longest-serving magistrate in the North East, sits mainly sits in County Durham and Newcastle courts, but has presided over courts all across the region in her years of service.
Read more
Bishop Auckland charities create apprenticeships for young people
Thousands owed share of £5m payout to victims accused of fare dodging
County Durham haulage firm joins campaign to tackle road deaths
The national recruitment campaign will run across television, audio and social media from today.
It aims to persuade more people in the North East and across the UK to apply.
"You’ve got the makings of a magistrate - use your skills to deliver justice and benefit your community with an experience that lasts a lifetime. It’s an extraordinary role, done by someone like you. Find out more: BecomeAMagistrate.uk"