THE FINANCIAL threat to magistrates is illustrated by the case of a railway clerk who was forced to tap into his life savings to pay a costs order

THE FINANCIAL threat to magistrates is illustrated by the case of a railway clerk who was forced to tap into his life savings to pay a costs order.

The late Lord Lindgren, who sat on the Welwyn bench, faced a bill of u599 after a defendant successfully appealed to the Divisional Court.

The LCD refused to cover the cost and Lindgren was forced to pay his own way.

It is understood that the magistrate, who had no means of his own, met the bill by dipping into an insurance policy which had matured.

A report of the case, which dates back to 1969, says the Divisional Court made a prerogative order against Lindgren because of his constant interruptions during the defendant's hearing.

The Lord Chancellor paid costs for the other two justices because they were not in a position to restrain their chairman.