UK Law Articles
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The Times
May 13 1999
Justice claims clown for the Bench
The last thing Philip Frederick is expected to do in his new job is play the clown (Helen Johnstone writes).
Mr Frederick, 42, who rides a Harley-Davidson and makes a living as a fool - and not any old fool but a circus clown - is to be a magistrate. He is just what the Lord Chancellor's Department's recent campaign for new magistrates was looking for.
A spokesman said yesterday: "We have got stuck with an image of just having fuddy-duddy people as magistrates, when in fact we are looking for just ordinary people - even clowns - with a bit of common sense." Mr Frederick (above in his dual roles), who entertains throughout West Sussex as "Pip" the clown, will don a pin-striped suit to be sworn in at Chichester, West Sussex, later this month.
The circus proprietor, from Bognor Regis, is expected to start hearing cases in August after 12 weeks' training. He said yesterday: "A clown with a Harley-Davidson still has a serious side. When I went for my interview I told them what I did and they didn't bat an eyelid."
The new magistrate also juggles, performs magic and lies on a bed of nails. Mr Frederick became interested in the justice system after studying law at A level last year.
He said: "I run a youth group and work with young people. I think that will be useful in working with those that get in trouble with the law."
