A HIGHLY-respected Southampton magistrate, who ensured justice was served and that people got the help they needed during her 27 years on the bench, has retired.

Yesterday Margaret Heller waved farewell to dozens of colleagues who had the pleasure of working with her over almost three decades.

Mrs Heller, who was first appointed to the bench at Southampton Magistrates’ Court in 1989, has held the positions of deputy bench chairman and deputy youth panel chairman.

Dr Kevin Walters, a former justice clerk who held a senior position at the court when Mrs Heller was first appointed, spoke at a special send-off on Monday.

He said the long-serving magistrate was always calm and used her common sense, and said she would be sadly missed.

“It does not seem like it was almost 30 years ago that you offered yourself for appointment as a magistrate. You have been a integral part of the justice system for 27 years.”

Jamie Gammon, a defence solicitor at the court, said: “When you are on the bench, bad people go to prison and people get the help they need while the public are protected.”

Mrs Heller, who thanked everyone for their kind wishes at the send-off, said: “When I was first appointed I was told I would be dealing with the mad, the sad and the bad – how true that came to be.

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with you. Thank-you to all my colleagues for their support and friendship.

“It has been a great experience and I have learnt so much. There have been times of frustration, sadness and satisfaction and hundreds of unbelievably hilarious experiences.”

Mrs Heller said if she was going to share one piece of advice to newly appointed magistrates it would be to do all they could to keep the system of the lay magistrates intact.

“It has been in existence for 600 years, do not lose it on your watch.”