Retiring Magistrate 'filled with hope and optimism'

Belinda Pilling took up the voluntary position in 2010

An outgoing magistrate says she's 'filled with hope and optimism' for the future of the role as she retires after 14 years.

Belinda Pilling JP took up the voluntary position in 2010 after a long medical career as a radiographer.

Addressing those gathered at Douglas Courthouse, Mrs Pilling said the fact Magistrates 'come from diverse backgrounds' is important for their work.

She made international headlines back in 2020 as the chair of the bench which sentenced five visiting welders to jail time after breaking coronavirus quarantine rules.

Reflecting on that decision in her retirement speech, Mrs Pilling said it was a 'difficult period' after lockdown, but that the Magistrates 'knew we had a responsibility to safeguard the public'.

She said the 'justice system is adapting' to different challenges, listing some of the major changes that have occurred since she started in the role; including new domestic abuse laws and the addition of a probation officer sitting in the courtroom, as well as steps to make juvenile court 'less intimidating' for the children going through the process.

The Magistrate also highlighted the 'worrying increase and nature of juvenile crime' in the Isle of Man she has seen over her tenure and pushed for greater powers to be used to combat it.

Thanking Pilling for her work on behalf of His Majesty’s Attorney General, prosecutor Roger Kane described her as 'always even handed'.

He said: "It's been a pleasure to appear in front of you."

On behalf of the Manx bar, advocate Jim Travers said: "Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of cases put before you."

Referring to their shared love of golf, he added that she should look forward to 'replacing those behind bars with birdies and pars'.

Concluding her speech, Mrs Pilling said she's indeed aiming to get the 'elusive' hole in one on Castletown golf links.