The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, has learnt from the family of Lord Justice Nicholas Pumfrey that he died suddenly of a stroke at home in the early hours of Christmas Eve.
Lord Phillips said he was deeply saddened to hear of Sir Nicholas’ death: "The thoughts of all members of the judiciary are with his family at this difficult time."
The Master of the Rolls, Sir Anthony Clarke, has also spoken of his shock upon learning of Sir Nicholas' death and added: "Besides being a life enhancing character, he was a great expert in the world of patents and intellectual property and was on the verge of contributing to the life of the Court of Appeal in many different areas. He was only 56 years of age and had been a member of the Court of Appeal for less than two months. He will be sadly missed."
Note to Editors
Sir Nicholas Pumfrey (56) was appointed in 1997 to the High Court bench where he served in the Chancery Division. He was promoted to the Court of Appeal in November 2007.
Called to the Bar by Middle Temple in 1975, he became a Queen’s Counsel in 1990 and was made a Bencher of Middle Temple in 1998.
Funeral
A funeral service will be held at the Temple Church at 4.30pm on Monday 14 January 2008 and, thereafter, at Middle Temple Hall.
