More diversity needed on bench, says Sikh magistrate

But the dad-of-two believes there is a long way to go before the bench is truly representative of the people it serves.

"The judiciary belongs to us, and it works better when we are involved," said the 34-year-old BA software engineer.

"Therefore I encourage people to apply and to make a real difference.

"We need to break down the barriers of people just thinking that Magistrates are only retired and white."

Baljit heard about a scheme run by an equalities campaign group called Operation Black Vote, which encourages ethnic minorities to consider a job in the court system. After shadowing a JP in Richmond for six months, he was hooked.

To win his new position the economics graduate had to go through two grilling interviews, stringent background checks and finally impress the Lord Chancellor himself. He has now begin an intensive training course in the law, including some prison visits.

Anyone, other than those in a handful of professions or with serious criminal convictions, can apply to become a magistrate but they must be prepared to sit in court for at least 26-and-a-half days a year.