A LONG-serving Loughborough Magistrate has retired after 29 years of service.
More than 100 guests including present and former magistrates, court staff, lawyers, friends and family gathered at Loughborough Court House, to mark the retirement of Dr John Smail JP.
Well known for his local dentistry practice, Dr Smail’s 29 years of distinguished service as a Loughborough magistrate, good friend and colleague was celebrated by Justices’ clerk and training manager, Nick Watson.
Representing Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS), Mr Watson paid tribute to Dr Smail’s outstanding contribution as a JP and his time as Loughborough Bench Chairman and Youth Panel Chairman.
He has been at the forefront of modernising Youth Court practice and worked tirelessly towards the achievement of the new Loughborough Court House.
Dr Smail was presented with a long service certificate signed by Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Lady Gretton, but he chose to give his leaving gifts from both HMCS and the Loughborough Bench to a local charity.
He presented Margaret Bowler, current Loughborough Bench Chair, with a specially commissioned gavel and block for use at bench meetings.