JUST A VERY NAUGHTY BOY

Whilst an active J.P.  and also subsequently I have been surprised or perhaps amazed is a more appropriate description of my demeanour at how many magistrates, enveloped in the mushroom cloud that has been created to place victims  at the centre of the justice system, have forgotten that they must always be aware of the public interest and its protection.  Therefore I find it incredible that in this case of multiple speeding an offender has not been disqualified as a totter from driving.  It would appear that a plea of exceptional hardship must have been accepted by the bench and having reached that decision against all the odds a period of disqualification less than the usual six months was not even imposed.  To allow such an offender to continue driving even without a full report of the case before us is just the sort of sentencing that brings the bench into contempt. By treating him as a very naughty boy those involved do the office of lay magistrate  no good service.