MEMBERS of the legal system gathered in court this week to say farewell to one of the region's top judges, after he announced he was retiring from the bench.
Judge Colin Colston QC is retiring from service after more than 40 years in the legal profession.
He joined St Albans Crown Court in 1978 and has served as a recorder and judge since then.
Before that he worked as a barrister for almost 20 years on the Midlands court circuit.
He was the resident judge at St Albans between 1989 and 2001 and has worked on various legal bodies and boards throughout Hertfordshire.
At a retirement ceremony on Wednesday, April 30, fellow judges, barristers and workers from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) came together to say their goodbyes to the departing judge.
Colleague Judge Findlay Baker QC said: "After almost 40 years in the legal profession he has an unparalleled experience in the justice system.
"That explains his great respect for the legal profession which has moulded his instinct for justice.
"His door was never closed to colleagues.
"His thorough and intelligent approach had the respect of everyone."
Crown court manger Jane Burfitt said it would be difficult to imagine St Albans Crown Court without him in it.
Although he has retired from being a full time judge, Mr Colston will be staying on in his capacity as a part-time deputy.
April 30, 2003 17:30
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