Meeting of Oxfordshire Magistrates

This evening, I was delighted to join the six-monthly meeting of Oxfordshire’s magistrates, held in the Council Chamber at County Hall. My thanks to Carole Payne, Chair of the Bench, for the kind invitation and warm welcome.

The meeting began with the presentation of long-service decorations by James Macnamara, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire and himself a former Chair of the Bench. It was wonderful to see the commitment of so many magistrates recognised in this way – people who have given years, in some cases decades, of voluntary public service to the administration of justice in our county.

We then heard a particularly interesting presentation from the Oxfordshire Youth Justice Service – a multi-agency partnership working with children and young people aged 10 to 18 who find themselves in contact with the justice system. The team explained how they bring together professionals from social care, education, health, the police and the probation service to help young people turn their lives around. Their focus on rehabilitation, rather than punishment, and on addressing the root causes of offending behaviour, is crucial if we are to keep children away from the revolving doors of the custodial estate. It was inspiring to hear how their restorative approaches are giving young people a genuine chance to make amends and build better futures.

There was also lively discussion about the forthcoming closure of Oxford Magistrates’ Court from January to August 2026, while the building undergoes extensive renovation. Although the refurbishment will bring much-needed improvements, it will inevitably create challenges for the local justice system. During the closure period, additional sittings will take place and some hearings will be transferred to courts in Milton Keynes, Reading and High Wycombe. The Bench and staff teams are already working closely with HM Courts & Tribunals Service to ensure continuity and minimise disruption for all involved.

Before the meeting closed, I had the opportunity to thank Oxfordshire’s magistrates for their time, talent, expertise and experience. The contribution they make – quietly, voluntarily and with deep commitment to fairness and community – is a cornerstone of our justice system.