NEW recruits have been sworn in to serve at Warrington Magistrates Court with spaces still available to those wishing to make a difference.

The Cheshire and Merseyside Advisory Committee are on the hunt for new magistrates after the latest cohort was sworn in earlier this month at a ceremony held at Chester Crown Court.

While seven new magistrates will sit in Warrington, a further 16 will sit on the Cheshire Bench in either Chester, Warrington, or Crewe.

Cheshire Bench Chairman, Eric Hodgson, said: "I am pleased to welcome the new magistrates joining our bench this year, of which eleven are men and twelve are women.

"Their ages range from 20 to 62 years of age and their backgrounds vary from student to chief executive.

"They have stepped forward and volunteered their time and talents to serve their communities.

"It is a pleasure to welcome them at the beginning of their magisterial career."

Magistrates are volunteers and play a vital role in the justice system, dealing with criminal and family court cases.

They can give punishments such as fines or unpaid work in the community and even send criminals to prison for up to 12 months.

Typical cases include motoring offences, theft, assaults and handling stolen goods.

In the family courts, magistrates may even arrange for a child who needs to be protected to be taken into care or put up for adoption, help separated parents, enforce child maintenance orders or protect children suffering domestic abuse.

Magistrates are trained, will usually volunteer 14 days a year and a legal adviser ensures they follow the correct procedures.

You can apply if you are of good character, over the age of 18 and aware of social issues.

Criminal court applications for Cheshire and Merseyside are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Family court applications for Cheshire and Merseyside will be accepted until September 30.

Find out more

here

.