JP who dodged trial is finally struck off

A JUSTICE of the peace has been removed from office after he was convicted of speeding and failed to turn up for a trial.

Henry Dedecker, who is 56 and worked in Ross-shire, was convicted in December 2008, fined 200 and given four points on his licence after a trial, the Crown Office said.

He did not appear in court and was again convicted, following another hearing, of "deliberately failing to attend court as an accused person".

Dedecker was again fined 200.

A special legal tribunal ruled that he was unfit to hold the office of justice of the peace due to "misbehaviour".

A spokeswoman for the Judicial Office for Scotland said: "The tribunal, having investigated the fitness for office of Henry Dedecker JP, and being satisfied he is unfit by reason of misbehaviour, made an order removing him from office."

A JP hears minor criminal cases including road traffic offences.