Judge first recorder in 172 years

Apr 4 2008

A STAFFORD judge has become the first honorary recorder of the borough in 172 years.

Judge Simon Tonking, who sits at Stafford Crown Court, was appointed to the position by the local authority following the guidelines of the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips, who said that the continuing relationship and involvement of the borough's senior resident judge in civic affairs "have been found to be valuable and are generally enjoyed and appreciated by both sides".

Judge Tonking, who was called to the Bar in 1975 and appointed a circuit judge in 1997, is only one of four recorders appointed since the borough received its charter in 1206. From about 1450 the Duke of Buckinghamshire held the title.

He was followed by Henry Lord Stafford in 1542 until 1688 when James 1 appointed a high sheriff a recorder and two justices. But by 1836 under the Municipal Act it was decided to abolish the position along with that of the local coroner.

A recorder came into being as someone who took notes at local authority meetings and gradually the incumbent became legally qualified.

Judge Tonking said: "I am very pleased and consider it a great honour.

Staffordshire is my county and I have lived here since a young boy.

"It is an honour to be recognised in this way."