New Presiding Judges appointed to the North Eastern and Western circuits

The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips, with the agreement of the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs, Lord Falconer, has made the following appointments:

The Honourable Mr Justice Simon as a Presiding Judge of the North Eastern Circuit. He will succeed the Honourable Mr Justice Grigson. The appointment will run from 1 January 2006 until 31 December 2008.

The Honourable Mr Justice Royce as a Presiding Judge of the Western Circuit. He will succeed the Honourable Mr Justice David Steel. The appointment will run from 1 June 2006 until 31 December 2010.

Notes for Editors

Mr Justice (Peregrine) Simon (55) was called to the Bar (Middle Temple) in 1973 and has been a Bencher since 1999. He took Silk in 1991. In 1998 he was appointed as a Recorder and as a Deputy High Court Judge. He acted in both of these capacities until his appointment to the Queen’s Bench Division in 2002.

Mr Justice (John) Royce (61) qualified as a solicitor in 1969 and was called to the Bar (Gray’s Inn) in 1970 where he has been a Bencher since 1997. He took Silk in 1987. He was appointed as a Recorder in 1986 and as a Deputy High Court Judge in 1993, acting in both capacities until his appointment to the Queen’s Bench Division in 2002. He also acted as Leader of the Western Circuit between 1998 and 2001.

ENDS