A long-serving magistrate has retired from the bench after 10 years service.

Jill Quirk sat for the final time on Thursday as prosecution and defence advocates, as well as members of the judiciary gathered in a packed courtroom to pay tribute.

Chair of the Isle of Man Magistrates’ Association David Craine led the accolades referring to Ms Quirk’s ’eloquent and professional manner’ and her time at the restaurant L’Experience, which she owned with her husband Tony.

Ms Quirk was a member of the licensing bench for nine years, working with three deputy high bailiffs, Jayne Hughes, Alastair Montgomerie and Chris Arrowsmith.

Mr Craine said: ’Your knowledge of the restaurant and licensing trade provided valuable input.

’On behalf of the Isle of Man Magistrates’ Association I thank you for your service and wish you a long and happy retirement.’

Advocate Hazel Carroon spoke on behalf of the Attorney General’s chambers and said: ’It has been a pleasure to have you on our bench.

’We will very much miss you. You have been a big part of my career.

’Thank you for your integrity and good humour.’

Laurence Vaughan-Williams paid tribute as the most senior member of the Manx bar in court.

He said: ’On behalf of the Manx bar I extend my heartiest best wishes.

’I have canvassed the views of people and the unanimous response has been that you served the bench with the utmost distinction. It has always been a pleasure to appear before you.’

Ms Quirk has a keen interest in the heritage and history of the Isle of Man and is a qualified blue badge guide.

She thanked everyone for their kind words and said: ’My time has been relatively short but it has been a real privilege to serve.

’It has been challenging and eye-opening.’

Ms Quirk said that there had always been a friendly atmosphere and thanked court clerk Zoe Cannell saying: ’Zoe’s affection for all the magistrates is palpable. She never complains and is genuinely friendly and interested in all of us.’

Ms Quirk went on to also thank all the advocates, court ushers and the two clerks to the justices she worked with, Stephen Tucker and James Brooks.

She also said it had been a pleasure to work with High Bailiff Jayne Hughes on the licensing bench.

Ms Quirk added: ’As much as I will miss it, I am delighted to be going out on something of a high.

’Only two weeks ago a defendant addressed me as "your majesty".’