A CROWN court judge has retired after a career in law that spanned more than 45 years.

Yesterday, Judge Gary Burrell QC hung up his robes for the final time at a valedictory farewell ceremony at Southampton Crown Court.

Having been born in Belfast during the troubles, Judge Burrell has worked across courts in Sheffield, Bournemouth and Southampton.

Colleagues said at the ceremony that he had mastered civil, family and criminal law in his time and that he can “reflect and celebrate a career well lived.”

Married to Heather and father to three sons Sam, Edward and Alex, he said that he is now looking forward to “sailing, more sailing, fishing and more fishing.”

He added: “This is both a sad day and a day for celebration. I wouldn’t have had this career without the support of Heather.

“I’m so great full to our court staff. This is a superb court with a superb team of court staff, court ushers and all the others.

“There are a few things I would say before I go. We are blessed with a skilled crown court judiciary.

“The court staff are skilful professionals and they run our justice system.”

The ceremony which took place at around 10pm yesterday was attended by colleagues, friends and family.

Judge Burrell has previously studied Law at Exeter University before being called to the bar in 1977.

He also spent time teaching at a college of law working on the North Eastern circuit and applied to be a QC in 1996.