A WELL-RESPECTED Maidstone magistrate has delivered his final ruling after 23 years as a JP. Frank Johnson bid a fond farewell when he chaired his final session on the bench at Maidstone Magistrates' Court just days before his 70th birthday.

Mr Johnson was appointed to the bench in 1978 and went on to chair the Tonbridge and Malling bench for 10 years. He was also chairman of the Kent Magistrates' Court Committee.

Fellow magistrates, court clerks and representatives of the Crown Prosecution Service, Kent Probation Area and defence solicitors gathered at Maidstone Magistrates' Court to pay tribute to Mr Johnson.

Senior magistrate Derek Nutley said: "Frank has been a great servant to the court and the people of Kent. He is one of the most respected magistrates and has given substantial service to the community."

Mr Johnson, a former director of Whitbread, said: "Magistrates are asked if they enjoy their work but enjoy is not the word. It is always interesting, frequently frustrating, sometimes rewarding, very often sad and sometimes quite amusing. I have always been treated with support and great kindness in court."