By RACHEL SPENCER

WARRINGTON magistrate Derek Hill-Willis has finished his 24-year stint on the bench and said a fond farewell to his colleagues at the town's court.

The 70-year-old former JP, who retired on Wednesday last week, plans to put his days of dealing with crooks and troublemakers behind him and opt for a quieter life.

He is looking forward to spending time with his family, and will study the town's more positive past in his role as a Warrington Family History Society committee member.

Mr Hill-Willis moved to Stockton Heath with his wife and two daughters in 1969 to lecture in industrial relations, sociology and politics at the Technical College on Winwick Road. He joined the magistrates' bench in 1977.

In his time as a JP, Mr Hill-Willis dealt with some of the town's most notorious criminals, from murderers and rapists to dodgy drivers and unruly youths.

He sat at the Crown Court for appeals and sentences from Magistrates' Courts. He was also heavily involved in the probation service and was chairman of the Cheshire County Probation Committee for 11 years.

Mr Hill says that he regrets having to end his court career, and that he stretched it out as far as he could, retiring the day before his 70th birthday, when it is compulsory for JPs to retire.

He said: "I've enjoyed my time here. I think very highly of all the court staff, and I have always admired the defence solicitors they do a great job, and so do the police.

"I think people in Warrington are very well served."

Mr Hill-Willis' colleagues at the court held a farewell ceremony for him to thank him for his commitment to the bench.