A FORMER Magistrate who stepped down from his post due to his objections to a piece of motoring law has received widespread support.

The Leader reported on Monday how Nick Colbourne, who served as a Magistrate at Wrexham and Mold Law Courts for 18 years, took the decision to leave the post after his concerns about sentencing people for marginally breaching the new national 20mph speed limits.

He explained: "I'm not going to do it. That's not what court's about - it feels like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

Following his announcement, readers took to the Leader's Facebook page to have their say on Mr Colbourne's decision.

Grant Haycock posted: "A man with principles - very proud of him," while Trace Rushie said: "Good on him."

Lee Andrew Gemmell said: "That's brilliant," and Aman Da said: "Nice to see somebody speaking sense and sticking to their principles."

Michaela Jade Lunt said: "Well done him. I think the 20mph is more dangerous. 

"I have had people overtaking me and have had cars coming head on towards me from over taking. Far more dangerous."

Gareth Jones said: "Well done that man," and Stephen Andrew Bather posted: "Hopefully the start of more! Well done to him."

Gary Simpson said: "Spot on, well done on sticking to your principles."

Paula Duffy posted: "Someone with common sense. Hopefully more people will stand up to this stupid rule."

It is fair to say that not everyone agreed with Mr Colbourne's views, however.

Anita Morris said: "I do admire him on this issue but when I read on I realised that like every other service, this one is low on staff and now they have lost him too. 

"I also think that the law is the law, however stupid, and the only way to adhere is zero tolerence."

Nathan Auty said: "If he felt 'very uneasy' in sentencing someone for breaking the law then it’s only right he steps down as clearly he wouldn’t be fit to practice."