From top left to bottom right: Mark Beattie, Val Castell, Mary Tuckett, Karen Andrew, Tracy Sortwell
We’re delighted that five of our members – Karen Andrew, Mary Tuckett, Mark Beattie, Tracy Sortwell, and Val Castell – were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List, for their services to the administration of justice and the criminal justice system.
Karen Andrew MBE
Karen sits on the West Glamorgan bench and is on the Independent Monitoring Board at HM Prison Swansea. She has been awarded an MBE for services to Prisoners, to the Administration of Justice and to the community in Swansea.
She said: “Being nominated for such an honour was something I never expected. To say I was shocked when I received the news is an understatement; I am humbled, delighted and feel very privileged to receive this recognition. To have my voluntary work with both the magistracy and Independent Monitoring Boards recognised is fantastic.
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside dedicated colleagues and legal teams who have supported and inspired me throughout my time on the West Glamorgan Bench and on the IMB at HMP Swansea. This recognition is not just for me, but for the important work carried out for the community every day by magistrates and Independent Monitoring Board members. I feel incredibly proud to have played a part in that.”
Mary Tuckett OBE
Mary, who sits on the Buckinghamshire bench, has been honoured with an OBE for services to the Criminal Justice System.
She said: “I am honoured and humbled to be recognised for fulfilling this role. It has only been possible with the help, support and encouragement of colleagues, friends and family.”
Mark Beattie MBE
Mark, who was the Magistrates’ Association’s National Chair from 2022 to 2025, has been honoured with an MBE for services to the Administration of Justice.
He said: “It was a lovely surprise when I was told that I’d received an MBE. I’m obviously delighted, and recognition like this raises the profile of magistrates more generally, which is a good thing too.”
Tracy Sortwell MBE
Tracy sits on the Magistrates’ Association’s board of trustees and was previously chair of our Family Court Committee. She has been honoured with an MBE for services to the Administration of Justice.
Tracy said: “I am deeply honoured to have been awarded an MBE. Since my appointment as a magistrate in 1995, I have been proud to serve the people of Peterborough and Cambridgeshire in both the Family and Crime jurisdictions. As the past Magistrates’ Association Family Court Committee chair, I was especially fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute to national policy, which is improving outcomes for children and their families. I would like to thank those responsible for my nomination and my husband and family for their support.”
Val Castell MBE
Val, who is Deputy Chair of the Magistrates’ Association, has been awarded an MBE for services to the Administration of Justice.
She said: “I was hugely excited to receive the letter telling me I had been nominated for an MBE but it didn’t feel quite real until the official announcement was made. Since then I have had so many lovely messages from colleagues past and present, the Magistrates’ Association and bench, HMCTS, friends and neighbours, it’s been difficult to keep up. None of us do what we do for reward of course but it is so lovely to think that the work I have put in for the MA and the bench has been noticed and appreciated. I am proud and delighted.”
MA members can check out our Honours Masterclass on MA Learn, where you’ll find all you need to know about the honours system and how to make a nomination.
