Magistrate urges disabled people to join the bench

MAGISTRATE from Whitley Bay is encouraging more people with disabilities to volunteer in similar roles to his.

- OWEN YOUNGER

On International Volunteer Day, which took place on Friday, Alaric Pritchard, 54, was aiming to help make the court system more representative of everyone.

He works as a management consultant, but has been volunteering as a magistrate for four years, as well as being an Academic in Practice with the Open University. Alaric is disabled as a result of a degenerative disease he was born with, and has prosthetic legs.

Alaric, who sits primarily in Newcastle, Bedlington and North Tyneside, said: "Most people are surprised to learn this is a volunteer role, but that's what makes it so special. Anyone can step up and make a real difference in their local community.