ACCORDING to Lord Gordon Slynn, the new magistrates court in Hereford is such a fine facility that even criminals in the dock will appreciate their modern surrounds.

And as a QC, High Court judge, judge of the European Court of Justice and judge of the Court of Appeal in the House of Lords, he is an authority on courtrooms.

Lord Slynn gave his glowing verdict before officially opening the building last Friday. The court has been open for business since the summer when it replaced the old Gaol Street premises.

Lord Slynn, accompanied by his wife Lady Slynn, paid tribute to his friend Dennis Isaac, chairman of the magistrates, and all those who made the dream of a new courthouse a reality.