A long-serving magistrate has retired from the bench after 16 years.

Advocates and members of the judiciary gathered to pay tribute to John Hellowell as he sat the for last time.

John has resigned reluctantly but, as he will shortly be classified as a resident of France and not the Isle of Man, he has no choice in the matter.

Originally he was going to spend a lot of time in France but remain resident of the island and commute back here to do his courts.

Recent health issues have now made that impractical.

Fellow magistrate Caroline Convery said of John: ’He brought to the magistrates, as he does in other aspects of life, his down-to-earth Yorkshire common sense as well as being pretty experienced with all walks of life having employed several hundred at [cleaning and facilities management company] Strand.’

Paying tribute on behalf of the Attorney General’s office Barry Swain said he had a present for Mr Hellowell and jokingly put handcuffs on him.

Mr Swain said: ’Without you and your colleagues the justice system would crumble. We rely on volunteers and we are all very grateful.

’You are fair, you are firm, you are polite, you care and you will be a sad loss.’

Advocate Dawn Jones paid tribute and thanked Mr Hellowell for his service on behalf of members of the Manx bar.

Mr Hellowell said: ’The last 16 years have flown by.

’I came to the Isle of Man from Yorkshire just over 30 years ago. The Isle of Man has been very good to me.

’Being a magistrate is giving back to the community.

community

’I was in the mountain rescue team back in Yorkshire and wanted to do something for the community.’

Mr Hellowell was approached by former chief minister Don Gelling asking if he could put him forward to become a magistrate.

’I’ve met some wonderful people, some really really nice genuine people. It’s a priviledge to know you all.

John was very much involved in Manx life and despite his work commitments, has been a coastguard, involved with Dalby Church, the Manx Birdlife and also Manx Wildlife Trust and gave many talks and shows at various events about the Falkland Islands.

He also served on the Prison Visitors’ Committee.

John was the training and social co-ordinator for the Isle of Man Magistrates’ Association since 2011 and organised some excellent events.

Fellow magistrate Pat Costain paid tribute to John’s service, saying: ’He has been a very able member of the bench and will be sadly missed.’