A tribute was paid to retiring magistrate Leo Murphy at a dinner to mark his 70th birthday at Saltburn Golf Club. Solicitor John Nixon said he would be missed at Teesside Magistrates’ Court after 33 years. He had been a good listener and treated everyone with respect. Mr Murphy, a former chairman of the bench and retired headteacher of St Gerard’s Primary School, Hemlington, will continue with prison visiting.
During the dinner, which was attended by nearly 40 friends, a tribute was also paid to Canon Bill Madden, of Our Lady of Lourdes parish, Saltburn, who marks the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination in June.
Michael Morrissey