District Court Judge Desmond Zaidan received an “overwhelming” farewell on his last day presiding in Inishowen yesterday.Before proceedings began at Buncrana District Court a number of representatives of charities and local groups surprised the judge – who is transferring to Kildare –  with thank you speeches and presentations.The groups and charities all  benefited from Judge Zaidan’s ‘charitable’ approach in his time in office.In a number of cases, instead of imposing a custodial sentence on first-time offenders, the judge ordered them to donate different monetary amounts to local charities.Father Neil Carlin, speaking on behalf of Whiteoaks Rehabilitation Centre, said it was an approach that benefited both the community and the offender.He said: “Firstly, it brings a sense of restoration to society and the community and helps the charity.“Secondly, it gives the client the sense they have offended against the community and are then paying it back which is good psychologically also.”Solicitor Paíd Dorrian said he had to “disagree” with reports that Judge Zaidan had a zero-tolerance policy.He said: “I found during your tenure here you had far from a zero-tolerance approach. You exhibited a very fair and understanding approach  and used your judicial discretion to benefit local charities. With persistent offenders you dealt with them as you were entitled and with first offenders you used your discretion, gave them an opportunity and the benefit of the doubt.“This was your first posting and you were put in a very, very difficult district. The burden of cases you were presented with was enormous and still is enormous which is no fault of your own but you certainly cleared a lot of it for your successor.”Inspector Donal Sweenety said Judge Zaidan’s approach made a huge difference to law and order in Inishowen.He said: “As you may have read in the papers public order in Inishowen has been drastically reduced since you came to Inishowen. Our loss is going to be Kildare’s gain.”Judge Zaidan described presiding over Inishowen and Donegal as “an honour”.He said: “I came up to Donegal not knowing what to expect and I am leaving with fond memories and invaluable experience.“I didn’t come to the bench to get acknowledgement or praise, I came to Donegal with an open mind and presided, and will continue to preside with – for want of a better phrase – an open mind.“I have been so moved by this whole experience today. The praise from Paíd Dorrian, the father of the bar and probably the most experienced solicitor not just in the county but the country, are very generous and kind.“You have all made it very difficult for me to depart. I will remember this for the rest of my life.”Judge Zaidan is taking up a post in Kildare and will be replaced by newly-appointed District Judge Kevin Kilraine, from Leitrim.See next week’s Inish Times for further tributes and pictorial coverage.