DEATH OF THE RECORDER OF LONDON

DEATH OF THE RECORDER OF LONDON

Top Old Bailey judge dies of heart attack

DAILY TELEGRAPH online 09/07/2004

The Old Bailey's most senior judge has died of a heart attack at the age of 66 after collapsing at a dinner last night.

Judge Michael Hyam, the Recorder of London, had been in his post since 1998 and had presided over major trials including that of the nailbomber David Copeland and the serial rapist David Mulcahy.

He had sat in court seven as normal yesterday, delivering his last judgment when he ordered a retrial for the brother and sister of the Hamas suicide bomber Omar Sharif.
The Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer said he was shocked and saddened by Judge Hyam's death.
"Michael enjoyed a distinguished career both at the Bar and on the Bench and was a most respected member of the judiciary.
"His was a very tragic, early death, Michael was a brilliant criminal judge and it is a great loss to the law and the City. He was a hugely popular man."
A tribute to Judge Hyam was held in his court at the Old Bailey this morning, with some staff having to stand in the dock in order to find space in the packed court.
The Common Serjeant of London, Judge Peter Beaumont, said: "He was a fine judge, an outstanding servant of the City of London and a firm friend to us all."
Judge Hyam, who was educated at Westminster School and St Catherine's College, Cambridge, was respected as a legal scholar, for his sense of humour and his patience.
He was called to the Bar in 1962 and appointed as a Circuit Court judge in 1984 before becoming the Designated Family Judge in Norwich six years later. He was also the author of Learning the Skills of Advocacy. He leaves a widow and three sons.