Retiring Magistrate will be 'greatly missed on the bench'

David Nash took up the voluntary position in 2009 

An outgoing magistrate says he will 'miss the challenging role' as he retires after 15 years.

David Nash took up the voluntary position in 2009 and oversaw his last sitting on Thursday (9 October).

Addressing those gathered at Douglas Courthouse Mr Nash said he would 'encourage anyone thinking of taking up the challenge to do so'.

Over his career, he served on the licensing bench and also as deputy chair of the Isle of Man Magistrates’ Association.

Thanking Mr Nash on behalf of his fellow magistrates, Lisa Horton said he would be 'greatly missed on the bench', and would be remembered for his 'quiet determination, analytical mind and composure', saying he leaves an 'indelible mark' on the court.

Speaking on behalf of His Majesty’s Attorney General, prosecutor Sara-Jayne Dodge said she was grateful for the 'thought, time and consideration' Mr Nash had shown in court, adding 'you have served the public... it's been a pleasure to appear in front of you'.

On behalf of the Manx bar, advocate Jim Travers described Mr Nash as 'a true gentleman of the court' and highlighted his work outside of court in the Island's sports scene.

He described Mr Nash as having 'the loudest whistle in Manx sport, and not [he's] afraid to use it'.

Concluding his speech Mr Nash said: "My biggest thanks goes to my colleagues."