A WELL-KNOWN face to anyone in north-east Fife in trouble with the law over the last decade or so will wear his wig for the last time next week.

Sheriff George Evans (65) retires from the bench at Cupar Sheriff Court next Friday after 12 years determining the fate of those before him.

He will be succeeded by Sheriff Charles Macnair, who will take up the post a week on Monday.

Sheriff Evans, who has been in the legal profession for 40 years, came to Cupar after 14 years on the bench at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Although happy to be retiring, he said, “I will be sorry professionally to leave.

“It’s been a very rewarding 12 years.

“I have had terrific support from the staff, particularly the social work department.”

The father of two, who lives in Ceres with wife Lesley and became a grandfather only two months ago, is originally from Saltcoats, Ayrshire.

He began his legal career as an apprentice in Glasgow in 1969, his pupilage under David Hope who is now a Lord of Appeal.

During his time he has presided over some unusual cases, both civil and criminal, including the trial of GM crop protesters in 2003.

The type of cases coming before the court have changed markedly during his tenure, with a rise in alcohol-related prosecutions.

He said, “The trend has been towards under-age drinking and more anti- social behaviour.”

Apart from higher taxation on alcohol, he reckons the way to deal with the problem must start with improving circumstances of families.

He said, “A lot of these young offenders come from broken homes and you have to try to address that.

“There are obvious limits as to what society can do.”

During his time at Cupar Sheriff Court, Sheriff Evans admitted he had made a few mistakes, and had the press cuttings to prove it.

He has also come in for criticism for sentences some have viewed as lenient.

But he said being a “soft sentencer” pays off.

“Most people, if you give them a chance, the shock of coming through the system is enough to stop them in their tracks.

“Others may take a bit longer but given time they will disappear (from the system).

“If you put them in custody straight away that tends to cure nothing.”

He continued, “There comes a time when you have to put people inside but I usually leave it to the last moment.”

In his retirement, Sheriff Evans, who is a member of Cupar Choral Society, hopes to uncover hidden talents, taking up hobbies such as painting and photography and attending university classes.

He may return to the courtroom occasionally, presiding over cases such as fatal accident inquiries.