Controversial Magistrate Edward King is to retire in May.

What started out as one of the best-kept secrets in the lower courts became one of the most talked-about topics last week when word got out of King?s impending retirement.confirmed yesterday that Mr. King would retire on May 31 when his contract expired.

Reluctant to go into detail, Chief Justice Richard Ground said yesterday that Mr. King had passed the age of 65 and his contract would expire.

When asked whether or not Mr. King would remain after this date to deal with his case-load, Mr. Justice Ground declined to comment.

The often controversial Mr. King has been in the news numerous times over the years with complaints from lawyers.

Mr. King made headlines two years ago his controversial ruling that it was not offensive to swear at a Police officer.

Mr. King told Police that they had to have ?stronger stomachs?.

The most recent controversy involved a tug-of-war between Mr. King and Magistrate William Francis over the Melanie Wedgewood case two weeks ago. Ms Wedgewood has been charged with driving without due care and attention in the death of six-year-old Tyaisha Cox.

About 15 minutes into the trial in Mr. Francis? court, Mr. King sent a Crown counsel to insist that the case be heard in his court.

Mr. Francis had been the Magistrate in the matter before and Miss Wedgewood?s lawyer, Saul Froomkin, had refused to move ? despite a warning by Mr. King that he would ?dismiss the case? unless the parties involved moved to his court.

The stand-off lasted more than half an hour before all parties eventually moved to Mr. King?s courtroom.