Richardson stripped of JP title

A FORMER Casey councillor has been stripped of his privileged Justice of the Peace (JP) title after being convicted of trespass and resisting arrest.
The City of Casey wrote to the Department of Justice in December last year seeking a review of Paul Richardson’s status as a JP.
Mayor Geoff Ablett said the council called for a review after Mr Richardson was found guilty and convicted for charges of trespass and resisting arrest brought against him by police.
Mr Richardson’s status as a JP was formally revoked under section 116 of the Magistrates’ Court Act 1989 by an order published in the 10 April 2014 Victorian Government Gazette.
“JPs are held in high regard and fulfil a high level of responsibility to the community,” Mr Ablett said.
“The government’s decision to revoke Mr Richardson’s status as a JP is something which happens rarely and only when someone is bringing the office of JP into disrepute.
“Clearly the State Government does not believe Mr Richardson’s conduct and conviction is fitting for such an esteemed and privileged position.”
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