Farewell to Court Stalwart After 31 Years
August 7th, 2007
It was the end of an era at Grimsby Magistrates' Court when Philip Bond retired as principal legal adviser.
A large number of magistrates and staff turned out to send their good wishes to him after 31 years of service.
Mr Bond (51) has taken early retirement after suffering heart and other health problems for the last two years.
Bench deputy chairman Mike Corry said Mr Bond was held in "high esteem" and paid tribute to his "dedication" to the court service.
Mr Bond had been involved in the training of magistrates and staff - and was particularly known for his licensing committee and youth panel work.
He had probably sat in court for about 15,000 hours.
Defence solicitor Roy Foreman presented a spoof edition of This Is Your Life - complete with a "big red book".
Mr Bond said: "I'm sad to leave but, obviously, health takes priority."
He said his 31 years at the court "were longer than the Great Train Robbers got".
He lamented the way "political correctness pervades most of what we know".
He also spoke of his frustration at the "glossy surface nature" of the modern court system, including "glossy business plans" and the "sound bite" veneer on justice.
He said that, in days gone by, staff could smoke at their office desks and magistrates could ask fine defaulters how much they spent on cigarettes and alcohol each week.
Mr Bond said: "The quality of our magistrates has always been a matter of pride for me.
"I have been fortunate to work with a great bunch of staff over the years.
"I will treasure many memories working in this building. Today is a final memory to add to that collection."
Mr Bond's mother, Jean, previously worked at the court as an usher and she is now a logger - for the transcript tapes - at Grimsby crown Court.
His late father, Jack, also had strong links with both courts and was also a logger at the Crown court.
Mr Bond studied law at Brunel University and became a "magisterial trainee" at Grimsby Magistrates' Court in 1976.
