TRIBUTES flooded in from both sides of the legal profession when chairman of North Kent Magistrates John French retired.

Prosecutors and defence lawyers joined forces for once to praise Mr French's 22 years of “pleasant and professional” service.

Darren Crispin, speaking on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “I wouldn't blame any magistrate for being short with prosecutors but it was always a pleasure to appear before him.”

Mr French, 70, who lives in west Dartford, stepped down at a special ceremony at Dartford Magistrates' Court.

He said: “It has been a great privilege to serve the district and has given me a great sense of pride.

“I have enjoyed pleasant battles over the years with many lawyers but they have all been extremely courteous.

“I have now promised to give myself back to my wife but I do have many other things to occupy my time.”

Defence solicitor John McGhie said Mr French had become an “institution” at the court.

“You just feel like you are getting to know a magistrate and then they retire. I wish him all the very best for his retirement.”