DISGRACED Magistrate-designate Ian Christmas has resigned.

The convicted fraudster – currently serving a 15-month jail sentence for his part in an elaborate property scam – has tendered his resignation with immediate effect, according to a statement from the Bailiff’s office this morning.

Christmas was off work for more than four years waiting for his trial, along with three co-accused, earning almost £500,000 over the period.

He is due to appeal against his conviction next week.