Magistrate Andrew Campbell, from Horringer near Bury St Edmunds, speaks out as courts call for more applicants

An ex-serviceman who has been working as a magistrate in Suffolk for eight years has called for more people to apply for the 'important' role.

Andrew Campbell, 60, from Horringer near Bury St Edmunds, joined the voluntary service after retiring from the RAF, and now spends around 25 days a year at Suffolk Magistrates' Court, in Ipswich.

Tomorrow is the final day to sign up for the chance to become a magistrate in the county, with people from all walks of life being encouraged to register their interest.

This latest appeal is part of a national drive to increase the number and diversity of those volunteering across England and Wales.

Mr Campbell said of his role: "There is never a day where I don't look forward to going to court, as it is so varied and interesting.

"It is a rewarding job - we are exercising the law for the benefit of the public and as taxpayers everyone wants to see that justice is being served.

"It is more than just going in and punishing people, there is a possibility that you may be able to reform someone," he added.

Magistrates have to be able to give a minimum of 13 days a year to sit in court, and, while they do get paid travel expenses and a lunch allowance on days they are in court, the role is unpaid.

Two or three magistrates typically sit in court and make decisions based on a vote, but in certain cases a single magistrate can hear cases and decide.

Data from 2022 on the diversity of the current magistracy in Suffolk and neighbouring county Norfolk shows a 17 per cent increase in the number of people under 50 and a four per cent increase in people from an ethnic minority background volunteering to be magistrates compared to the year before.

Mr Campbell said: "The job is really important and it is important that people want to get involved - the more the merrier.

"Listening is the key thing and the thing most people will find the hardest. We all want to speak, we all want to say our bit, but you just have to sit and listen and be measured.

"It certainly teaches you patience and accepting of people as well. We don't pigeon-hole people in court and being a magistrate helps you realise you shouldn't do that in life, either.

"We work wholly on the facts so that if you didn't see the person you would come to the same conclusion and there is no prejudice," he added.

Magistrates get training before they begin and throughout their careers, which helps them develop the right skills to put any unconscious bias aside and make the right rulings.

If you want to find out more about becoming a magistrate in Suffolk, click here.

To apply for the role, click here. Tomorrow, Friday March 31, is the final day to apply.

Of the magistrates currently working in Suffolk, Mr Campbell said: "We all come from different walks of life and it doesn't matter where you come from, your age, or any other factor. It is a job for everyone."