Magistrate Mark Bucknall … last day in the South Burnett on Tuesday

July 28, 2014

South Burnett magistrate Mark Bucknall will be dealing with his last local matters tomorrow after completing his two-year appointment to the region.

Mr Bucknall told southburnett.com.au it had been a good posting and he had enjoyed his time in the South Burnett – but he suspects there’s some locals who won’t be sad to see him leave.

He said magistrates were rotated around courthouses because after a while they get to know too much about the people appearing before them.

“You get to know everything about them, the domestic violence issues, the search warrants, the child protection matters,” he said.

After finishing his last case at Murgon Magistrates Court tomorrow, Mr Bucknall will be attending a Magistrates Conference before heading off on a month’s leave.

Then it’s back in harness, this time at Caboolture Magistrates Court.

Mr Bucknall will be replaced at Kingaroy / Murgon / Cherbourg / Nanango and Toogoolawah courts by former Gympie solicitor Simon Young.

Mr Young was sworn in as a magistrate on January 29 this year.

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One Response to "Magistrate Bids
Farewell To South Burnett
"

  1. Mr Bucknall’s departure will be a great loss for this area. I have spent far too much time in Queensland Courts (as Arresting Officer – not as defendant) since the early 70s. Mr Bucknall is probably the best ‘all round’ magistrate I have met.

    Yes, he can be tough when he needs to be, and he probably alludes to that (above.) He certainly lets defendants know who is running the courts, and rightly so. But he also keep lawyers on a tight leash, and not wasting time. But most importantly he is fair to everyone. If a defendant is appearing in his court for possibly the first time; he guides them through the process. If they elect to defend themselves, he gives them every possible opportunity. Finally, he has a great sense of humour. You have to be alert to pick it, but it’s there.

    Sir you have made a great contribution and I wish you well.

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