A long-serving magistrate has retired from the bench after more than 20 years’ service.

Brian Walton sat for the final time on Thursday as members of the judiciary gathered to pay tribute in a packed courtroom.

Chairman of the Isle of Man Magistrates’ Association Ken Faragher said that he and Mr Walton had been sworn in at the same time in August 2000 by First Deemster William Cain.

Mr Walton spent at least two years as chairman of the Magistrates’ Association and time on the Probation Liaison Committee.

He is also involved with Manx Autosport and is still chairman of the Isle of Man Tennis Association.

Mr Faragher said: ’You have served these courts, the magistracy and the Isle of Man in an exemplary manner.

’You have always acted in a completely open, honest and transparent manner. In fact, you could say you’ve always been exactly straight down the line.

’I know you often put the needs of others before your own. It has truly been an honour and a pleasure to sit with you. I hope you have a long, happy and most importantly, healthy retirement.’

To the amusement of the courtroom advocate Barry Swain, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General’s Chambers, then arranged for handcuffs to be put on Mr Walton, saying he wanted to make sure he didn’t disappear.

Mr Swain said that Mr Walton had come from a tough, hardworking Cumbrian mining family which had settled in the island as far back as the 1820s.

He added that Mr Walton had played a pivotal role in Barclays Bank.

’You’ve had a distinguished career. You will be missed in these courts,’ said the advocate.

’You have always conducted yourself with professionalism, dignity, integrity, and fairness when on the bench.

’You are never afraid to challenge the prosecution or defence advocates, but always with courtesy. You leave here with our respect and admiration.’

Advocate Stephen Wood spoke on behalf of Manx Bar and said he was honoured to be asked to speak on its behalf, but it was tinged with sadness.

He said: ’It saddens me that I will not be appearing in front of you because every appearance has been professional, your decision making unquestionable and fair, and I’d like to thank you for your many years of service to the island and justice.’

Mr Walton said: ’It’s very sad that we’ve recently lost both the Attorney General John Quinn, and Michael Moyle [the former High Bailiff] in such a short period. I knew John from my business days before he was appointed Attorney General and I sat with Mr Moyle on the Probation Liaison Committee for a number of years.

’For those of you who knew him it was never less than entertaining in his company and in court. He was necessarily firm but always fair and I would like to think that his high standards rubbed off on me and my colleagues, and made us better magistrates.’

Mr Walton said that it was difficult to attract younger magistrates due to the commitment required but he hoped that employers were becoming more sympathetic.

He continued by saying ’I’ve had some lovely messages from colleagues’ and went on to thank the Deemsters, the High Bailiff, the Deputy High Bailiffs, all the members of the prosecution and defence teams, the many agencies who assist the courts, the ushers, and the members of the summary court team.

He also thanked former legal officers John Needham, James Brooks, and Stephen Tucker, and court clerk Zoe Cannell, thanking her for her ’great support’ saying that she was ’always cheerfully willing to help’.

Finally Mr Walton said: ’I will miss being part of the team, it’s given me a great sense of fulfilment over the last 21 years and I hope I’ve made a worthwhile contribution to a safer and happier community for all.’