Jersey's jailed Magistrate Designate Ian Christmas resigns

Christmas has not carried out the magistrate role since June 2008

A Jersey magistrate has resigned four months after he was jailed for fraud.

Ian Christmas was convicted last year of defrauding an investor and was sentenced to 15 months in prison by Jersey's Royal Court.

Jersey's Bailiff, Sir Michael Birt, said he received the letter from Christmas which said his resignation was with immediate effect.

The Bailiff said Christmas's salary was stopped on 16 October following his sentencing.

Christmas was found guilty of defrauding an investor of £100,000 as part of a property investment scheme.

He has remained in office as a magistrate throughout his court case but has not carried out the role since June 2008.

Currently a magistrate can only be dismissed by order of the Queen, and after a disciplinary investigation by a UK judge.

The Bailiff said he was beginning the process of appointing a new magistrate.

Following Christmas's sentencing, Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, said it was unlikely Jersey could claim back the £500,000 Christmas had been paid since his arrest four years ago.

Christmas's appeal against his conviction will be heard by the island's Court of Appeal next week.