Mr Kelly said he was “very happy and humbled” by the appointment.

Mr Kelly signed the Bar Roll in 2007 and since then, has conducted criminal trials and appeals, summary matters and committal hearings in the Magistrates’ and County Courts.

He has also worked on child protection and intervention order matters.

Prior to his career as a barrister, he worked for Victoria Police, including time as a general duties officer, and eight to 10 years as a police prosecutor.

While working as a prosecutor, Mr Kelly said, he decided he wanted to do what the other legal practitioners he encountered in the court room did – so he studied law part-time.

He said he had had a great career working as a barrister, mostly in Bendigo, and loved the role.

The appointment of Mr Kelly and his four counterparts adds four new magistrates to the Magistrates’ Court; one of these appointments fills the place left by retired Magistrate Barry Schultz.

“These five new magistrates are skilled criminal and family law lawyers and bring a wealth of experience to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria,” Victoria’s Attorney-General Martin Pakula said.