SIMON Corbell has announced the appointment of a new magistrate of the ACT Magistrates Court.

“Glenn Theakston will begin at the ACT Magistrates Court on 30 May 2016 replacing Magistrate Peter Dingwall who is due to retire in August this year,” Simon said.

“Mr Theakston’s appointment starts earlier to take on some of the court workload while Magistrate Dingwall takes some leave prior to his retirement.

“Mr Theakston’s appointment ensures that the ACT Magistrates Court has sufficient resources to meet the workload and demands.

“Mr Theakston has over 20 years experience as a barrister and solicitor. He has specialist experience in criminal law from his time working in ACT Legal Aid and the Commonwealth Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as a prosecutor on counter-terrorism. Since 2012, Mr Theakston has been a barrister practising in family law and civil law.

“As an Australian Defence Force (ADF) reservist for more than 20 years, Mr Theakston has also worked in ADF complex administrative inquiries and discipline proceedings.

“With his wide-ranging experience in both criminal and civil law, particularly in the ACT context, I am confident Mr Theakston will make a significant contribution to the ACT Magistrates Court.

“Along with his experience, Mr Theakston has strong decision-making skills and analytical capacity and will bring intellectual rigour and diligence to his new role.”