Crime

Recruitment drive launched to find thousands of new magistrates

Published

3 months ago

January 3, 2026

Volunteers sought across England and Wales as government moves to speed up justice system

A MAJOR recruitment campaign is under way to attract thousands of new magistrates in England and Wales, as the UK Government presses ahead with wide-ranging reforms to tackle delays in the courts.

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed it wants to recruit a further 2,000 volunteer magistrates over the next financial year, building on the more than 2,000 already trained since 2022. The move forms part of efforts to reduce long-standing backlogs in the Crown Court system and deliver faster justice for victims.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy said magistrates were central to the justice system, dealing with the vast majority of criminal cases and playing a vital role in local communities.

He said: “Magistrates hear thousands of cases every year and deliver justice across every jurisdiction. They are everyday people serving their communities, and we need more volunteers from all backgrounds and age groups to step forward.

“Becoming a magistrate can be a life-changing experience and makes a real difference to society.”

The recruitment drive follows the announcement of proposed court reforms in December, which include plans to expand magistrates’ sentencing powers. Under the proposals, magistrates could be allowed to impose prison sentences of up to 18 months, compared with the current limit of 12 months, enabling them to handle more serious cases. The government has also indicated that the cap could rise to 24 months if required.

Other proposals include limiting jury trials for certain offences and introducing faster-track courts within the Crown Court system, where cases could be heard by a single judge.

The Magistrates’ Association welcomed the renewed focus on the role but warned that additional support would be essential. It said increased responsibility must be matched by investment in trained legal advisers, proper staffing levels and repairs to deteriorating court buildings.

Magistrates are unpaid volunteers and are expected to sit for a minimum of thirteen days each year. They are supported by professional legal advisers and work across criminal, youth, family and civil courts.

Latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show that 57% of magistrates are women, while 14% come from ethnic minority backgrounds. Outside London, diversity levels remain significantly lower than the population as a whole.

Judicial leaders say they are looking for applicants with strong communication skills, sound judgement, impartiality and the ability to weigh up competing arguments.

However, the proposals have attracted criticism from opposition politicians. Shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan said the government’s record on court backlogs had worsened and warned that curbing jury trials risked damaging public confidence in the justice system.

He said recruiting more magistrates was welcome, but argued it would not resolve deeper structural problems within the courts.

Crime

Neyland man spared immediate jail over aggravated vehicle taking

Published

21 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant given a suspended prison sentence after magistrates heard the offence was serious enough to cross the custody threshold

KRISTIAN DAVIES, aged 35, of Rock Cottages, Neyland, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to aggravated vehicle taking.

The court heard that on January 26, 2026, at Narberth, Davies took a Ford Focus without the consent of the owner or other lawful authority. The vehicle was damaged before it was recovered, with the damage assessed at less than £5,000.

Magistrates sentenced Davies on Tuesday (Mar 31) to 18 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

The bench said the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified, citing Davies’ relevant previous convictions and the fact he was already subject to a court order at the time, which he is now in breach of.

However, the prison term was suspended because the court found there were real prospects of rehabilitation in the community.

Davies was also made subject to an 18-month supervision requirement, a non-residential drug rehabilitation requirement with reviews, and up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity.

As part of the order, he must engage with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service and provide samples for a 12-month period.

He was also banned from driving for 24 months.

The first review hearing is due to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on April 27 at 10:00am. Bail conditions were cancelled as a matter of urgency.

Crime

Man arrested after police stop car on Pembroke Dock street

Published

2 days ago

April 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MAN was arrested after police stopped a car on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Saturday afternoon (Apr 4).

Witnesses said the incident happened at around 5:00pm outside Bargain Booze, when two police vehicles – one marked and one unmarked – pulled over a motorist.

According to one bystander, officers searched the boot of the vehicle and arrested the man straight afterwards.

The same witness said what was suspected to be Class A drugs were found, although that detail has not been confirmed by police.

The man was taken away in a police car, while an officer drove the suspect’s vehicle from the scene.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for comment.

Image: File photo

Crime

Six-year jail term a warning to drug dealers, says police

Published

4 days ago

April 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Detective says “robust approach” will continue as dealer caught after drugs hidden in car sale

A TOP detective has warned that a Milford Haven drug dealer’s six-year prison sentence should serve as a stark warning to others involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

Daniel Booth, aged 35, was jailed at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (Mar 20) after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, as well as possession of cannabis.

The case came to light after a member of the public discovered drugs hidden inside a car they had purchased from Booth.

The buyer reported the find to police, triggering an investigation that led to Booth’s arrest on January 5.

Officers later uncovered further evidence linking him to the supply of Class A and Class B drugs.

Hidden drugs discovery

The discovery of drugs concealed within the vehicle proved to be a key breakthrough in the case.

Police said the incident highlighted both the risks to unsuspecting members of the public and the lengths some offenders will go to in order to conceal their activities.

Booth was subsequently charged and later admitted the offences in court.

‘Clear warning’ to others

Speaking after sentencing, DC Phillip Jones, of the Serious Organised Crime Unit in Pembrokeshire, said the case should send a strong message.

He said: “The supplying of drugs such as cannabis and cocaine in our communities has damaging consequences, and I hope that this result serves as a reminder of Dyfed-Powys Police’s commitment to remove them from our streets.

“Booth’s six-year sentence should serve as a warning to anyone involved in the supply of illegal drugs that we and our partners in the justice system will take a robust approach while bringing these types of offenders to justice.”

Ongoing crackdown

Dyfed-Powys Police say tackling drug supply remains a key priority across Pembrokeshire, with officers continuing to target those involved in organised criminal activity.