CENTURIES of meting out justice in Dorchester came to an emotional end as the county town's crown court sat for the final time.

There were fond farewells and tributes paid to the dedicated team at Dorchester Crown Court, who had helped to establish its reputation as "one of the friendliest courts in the country".

Keeping up the fine tradition of verbal jousting that had graced the court over the decades, there were also a number of stinging rebukes regarding the decision by HM Courts and Tribunal Service to close the court, which has been open since 1955, and force all court users in the county to travel to Bournemouth.

For the court's final act, Judge Peter Johnson welcomed fellow members of the judiciary, barristers, court staff past and present as well as guests from organisations such as the Probation Service, Witness Service, police and Crown Prosecution Services who had helped the court run over the years.

Judge Johnson described Dorchester as a "unique gem of a court" and went on to pay a glowing tribute to all those who had helped make it such a popular place for many in the legal profession to visit. 

He said: "It's the favourite court of many.

"That's hardly surprising because it's probably the friendliest court in the country."

The judge handed over flowers to court clerk Laura Clayton, usher Chris Thompson and admin officer Allaina Kempson as he praised the "terrific team" of staff.

Judge Johnson spoke of a legal tradition in Dorchester dating all the way back to Judge Jeffreys in the 17th century and voiced concerns about the impact on defendants, jurors and witnesses who faced having to travel across to Bournemouth to access the crown court.

He said he understood the need for the cost savings but said that the government must also not forget its two principal functions of defence of the realm and maintenance of law and order.

Judge Johnson said: "The maintenance of law and order requires justice to be accessible.

"Too often in today's society it is forgotten life is not just about a balance sheet, it's about people."

Judge Johnson added that he hoped one day to see some kind of jury trial centre re-open in west Dorset, but added: "I will not hold my breath."

Barrister Richard Onslow said: "The circuit deeply regrets the closure of this court and let us hope this closure is only temporary."

Advocate Tim Shorter, who first appeared at the court in 1975, added: "There is no doubt that the closure of the court court in Dorchester is, to be blunt, a travesty.

"It is, in my view, another example of the removal of public services from the public they are supposed to be serving."