Most magistrates in Wales are unpaid volunteers

Committees that administer the courts in North Wales have said they want them to reflect the population more closely.

The youngest magistrate sitting in the Llandudno area is Toby Prosser, who celebrates his 40th birthday this week.

He said: "The image is of gentrified landowners who will sit until they drop off their perch. That's something the Lord Chancellor is keen to change."

Mr Prosser, also the town clerk in Llandudno, a former college lecturer and graphic designer, has been sitting in court since he was 29.

What I get out of it is a sense of achievement. I find it's a challenge. I find new things every time I sit Toby Prosser

When he joined he became the youngest magistrate serving his area - he is still the youngest 11 years on.

"I was interested in the legal system and was also interested in what was happening in the community and I thought it would be an ideal way of giving something back," he said.

"The very first case I sat on was a death by dangerous driving. It's a pretty serious thing to get involved with first of all - I was very surprised at the diversity of what I was facing.

Toby Prosser was the youngest Magistrate in Llandudno at 29, he still is 11 years on.

"What I get out of it is a sense of achievement. I find it's a challenge. I find new things every time I sit.

"It doesn't matter how experienced you think you are, something will come along and surprise you."

Mr Prosser generally sits with two other magistrates, one day, every two or three weeks. The position is voluntary and unpaid, as most magistrates in Wales are.