“NO longer will I have to sit there in incredulity at a jury’s verdict!”

So joked Judge Roger Dutton, the retiring Recorder of Chester, to much laughter from the assembled judges, court staff and dignitaries at his valedictory this morning (Monday, November 19).

Court 1 - the grandest courtroom in the castle - was packed for the event which marks the end of a career in law that spanned more than 40 years.

Judge Dutton took the top job in January 2016 following the death of his predecessor, Elgan Edwards, at the age of 72.

He told those assembled that his decision to now call it a day had been largely inspired by his former colleague, who never had the chance to enjoy retirement.

“He influenced my decision to retire as he was cheated out of retirement and I was determined not to have that happen to me,” the judge said.

He praised Judge Edwards, particularly for his “sage advice, such as never to be helpful because it always goes wrong”.

“In many ways he was my mentor,” he added. “I learned a huge amount from him.”

In the speeches made by senior lawyers, much was made of Judge Dutton’s passion for all things Welsh – particularly the national rugby team.

A joke was made that he may even have adjourned a trial in order to attend a crunch Six Nations match.

Chester and District Standard:

Mr Justice William Davis congratulates Judge Roger Dutton (right) on his retirement. Picture by Andrew Price.

“Born and bred” in Wrexham, Judge Dutton attended Acton Park Primary School – where his granddaughter now studies – before moving on to the grammar school.

He studied law in Kent before joining King Street Chambers in Chester where “life was fun”, despite barristers regularly encountering judges that could “spit venom”.

“I think judges nowadays are rather like teddy bears in comparison,” Judge Dutton joked.

In 1988 he became an assistant recorder before deciding to become a circuit judge, a lofty ambition that he achieved in October 1996 at the age of just 44.

The judge said that on his first day the court clerks and ushers paraded into his chambers to recite a poem.

“We’ve had the most perfect working relationship ever since,” he said. “The ushers and clerks have gently put me in my place when necessary.”

Among his many other roles over the years, Judge Dutton has been a Rotarian, governor of Glyndwr University, a church warden in Rosset and President of the Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges.

It was also revealed at his valedictory that he has been known to dress up as Santa Claus when required for the Christmas festivities in Wrexham.

The judge described his career in law as “stimulating, frustrating, thought-provoking, immensely satisfying and a great privilege”.

Any trepidation about leaving working life behind had now disappeared as he looked forward to the next stage in his life.

“I’m just glad that I’ve reached retirement and the constant comments to me of ‘not long to go now’ can finally stop!” he said.

“I’m looking forward to a time when I can do what I want and say what I want… within reason!”

The new Recorder of Chester will be Judge Steven Everett, who Judge Dutton described as a “worthy successor”.

Concluding his speech, he added: “I hope I will be seen as having done my best. As Tony Blair once said, thank you, that’s it.”