Prisoners have paid tribute to a mum who has been crowned Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year.

Catherine Bond, from Maidstone, was overyjoyed at getting the gong, having worked in the profession for 17 years.

The 43-year-old, who represents prisoners as they apply for parole or to have their sentences reduced, said: “Just to be nominated was absolutely wonderful. And to hear people I know saying such nice things about me” she said.

“But to win was just incredible.”

Ms Bond, mum to Ralph, six, won the accolade in the criminal division of the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards.

She said: “It makes me sad to think what has happened to these people when they were little and where it went wrong. That really resonates with me.

“I am so lucky to be able to give my son a stable and happy life.”

And while she loves her job Catherine said the cases often stay with her long after she has represented them in court.

“You feel for them,” he said. “Some of them have been my clients since 2008 and you get to know them.”

She added: “Some are the same age as me and you go though the years together.

“It sticks with me, the impact of prison life on them when they leave, and I always hope they can put it behind them and get back on track.”

Catherine, who enjoys playing netball in her free time, says she loves her job, despite the 4am starts.

“It is very difficult but very rewarding. A lot of injustice goes on.”

And she admitted there might sometimes be occasions when she might not think a prisoner should be given parole.

“Of course that does happen,” she said. “But it’s not for me to decide that. I don’t have any moral difficulty with that as everyone has the right to be represented and I always do so with integrity.”

Prisoners who Catherine has represented offered up their praise after hearing she had been nominated for the national accolade.

One said: “It is not possible to overstate how highly I regard Catherine, not just for her work in my case but for the humanity she has shown me, not only while I was in prison when I felt like the whole system was against me, or when I was unlawfully recalled and again I was isolated and feeling helpless, literally coming to my rescue and securing my re-release but at other times since in the community when the powers that be were acting in a way that undermined my resettlement and safety, she gave me her time free of charge and without compromise.”

“Catherine is without any question, a shining beacon in the darkest parts of society where hopelessness and fear are normalised, there she gives hope, guidance and shows her exemplary humanity. I cannot thank her enough, or ever repay her kindness, simply put, she is a wonderful human being whom I feel privileged to have had in my corner.”

“Catherine is a shining beacon in the darkest parts of society where hopelessness and fear are normalised...”

Another said: “I can say without a shadow of doubt that there is a very high probability that I would still be in prison if it was not for Catherine.

“This is a lady who gave me hope, support and kept me from going down the path of losing my mind and I mean that with very strong emphasis on losing my mind.

“I have now been out two years now and there have been times when I was struggling but Catherine has still given me support when she didn't have to (this is not paid work).”

“These people are not defined by the crimes they have committed.” Catherine said. “I firmly believe people can change.”