May issue - Magazine - Page 33
Glenside
News
GlensideNews@mail.com
EVENT REPORTS
WITHAM ON THE HILL WI REPORT
At the May meeting members discussed the
resolutions to go forward to the National Annual
meeting. Jane Clark presented the one concerning lack
of public toilet facilities, and encouraged members to
lobby local councils to take part in the scheme for
businesses to allow access to their toilets. Sue
Brotherhood presented action for women's
homelessness and encouraged members to support
homeless charities. A majority of members voted in
favour of both resolutions.
The speaker, Peter Hinton, JP, explained he was in
the RAF for many years and was involved in Courts
Martial. He then spent eight years in local government
in Leicestershire. He outlined the system of criminal
and civil justice in which 95% of cases are dealt with
in the magistrates' court, where there is usually a bench
of three magistrates and a legal adviser. There are
12,000 magistrates in the country, 57% are ladies and
81% are aged over 50. He said magistrates are not
paid, but they do get lunch expenses.
Magistrates can issue arrest warrants and order
house searches. They impose fines, community service
or short prison sentences. On one occasion, as a sole
magistrate, Peter dealt with 126 cases!
70% of cases in magistrates' courts are motoring
offences. Drugs and alcohol use account for almost
50% of all crime. More serious offences, which could
incur harsher sentences, go to Crown Court. Peter said
that technology and CCTV in the current era are
helpful for clarifying the offences and establishing
guilt.
The talk was interspersed with various humorous
tales of Peter's personal experiences and Deirdre
Dunne gave the vote of thanks for a very informative
evening.
The next WI meeting will be on
Tuesday 2 June at 7.30pm
on the village green, with games and
a bring-and-share supper.
If weather is inclement, it will be board games in St
Andrew's Parish Hall, Witham on the Hill.
Visitors and new members always welcome - entry fee
is £5. Contact Jane Clark on 01778 590232.
Page 33
