Longest serving magistrate retires after 49 years

The longest-serving magistrate in England and Wales has retired after 49 years of service.

Brian Goodhead, 75, was recruited to the bench when he was just 25 and has witnessed huge change to the judicial system as well as dealing with countless cases.

Speaking to BBC North West Tonight, Goodhead, from Preston, shared his experiences to encourage others to think about becoming magistrates. It coincides with a Ministry of Justice (MoJ) campaign to urge people from all backgrounds to consider signing up.

"Being a magistrate is about common sense, a bit of empathy, an understanding of the real world and the patience to listen," Goodhead said.

Goodhead was raised in Preston by foster carers.

He said his parents, who looked after more than 500 children, had inspired him to be community-minded from a young age.

"I was a big brother to 500 children," he explained. "They did an awful lot for others in the community.

"When I was approached to become a magistrate it seemed quite logical."

Goodhead said he did not expect to be appointed due to his tender years.

"I was told when I went for the interview that magistrates were normally appointed between the ages of 35 and 55," he recalled.

"I left thinking 'Well, that's not going to happen' but wasn't it nice to be at least considered?"

Six months later, Brian was making headlines in the local paper as England's youngest magistrate.

Since 1977 he has sat in all three jurisdictions of magistrates' court - youth, adult and family.

"Changes are often slow and not necessarily noticed," Goodhead said.

"Of great importance in my mind - and something I gave priority to during my time as chairman of the bench - was diversity.

"For example, in the early 2000s it was very difficult to find Asian women to join the Magistracy.

"Thankfully, with the passage of time, and with the necessary effort, this has been addressed.

"I am pleased to know that we are increasingly becoming more diverse across the board, in all respects, including sexual orientation.

"Hopefully, the more truly representative of the wider community the magistracy becomes, the greater will be the trust and confidence from the community that true justice is being served."

New MoJ research suggests that while many people already have the skills needed to become a magistrate, 51% did not believe they could become one.

Justice Minister Sarah Sackman visited Liverpool Magistrates' Court to launch the recruitment campaign and meet existing members of the bench.

"Many people don't know what magistrates do or think becoming a magistrate isn't for them," she said.

"But magistrates are ordinary people, members of the public making an extraordinary contribution to their communities.

"If you're fair-minded, interested in the justice system, 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.

 "From criminal to family matters, it hands real power and real trust to local people, so that justice is decided by the community it serves."

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