Offenders convicted of more serious offences who are subsequently sent to prison are exempt from the charge.

Alan Williams, 60, from Burwell, Cambs, stepped down because he believes the fine is "morally unjustified".

The former deputy chairman of the East Cambridgeshire bench resigned after being summoned by magistrates' authorities to explain his conduct.

Support victims

Mr Williams became the first magistrate in the country to resign over the surcharge.

The government brought in the levy to support the victims of crime and Victim Support.

But Mr Williams said the fine is targeting the wrong people.

"Nobody can provide me with a rational argument as to why people who are involved in victimless crimes should have to pay a levy to support the crimes of others", Mr Williams said.

The Magistrates' Association believes the �15 charge is fundamentally flawed, and said many more magistrates are likely to leave their jobs in protest.