THE Union flag flew over Chelmsford Crown Court for the first time in 20 years to celebrate the retirement of a long-serving judge.
Judge Rodger Hayward Smith QC, 70, who was known for his occasionally cutting comments, hung up his wig for the last time on Friday.
To the tune of Blaze Away, humorously reflecting the tone of comments made by him at times, Chelmsford's senior judge, Judge Charles Gratwicke, led his fellow colleagues into Court One to say farewell to Judge Hayward Smith, along with advocates, court and legal staff.
Judge Gratwicke said: "What does society hope from its criminal justice system and its judges? Justice for all, with each individual being treated equally and fairly by his fellow man. Each person entitled to expect dignity and a voice.
"And that's not dried or pedantic, it's the stuff of life and Rodger has kept those ideals close at hand in all his work both at the Bar and on the Bench."
Judge Gratwicke added that Judge Hayward Smith had always been a man of courage, compassion, honesty and justice throughout his career.
After being "called to the Bar" at Gray's Inn, London, in 1967 having officially passed his training, Judge Hayward Smith was appointed to the South East Circuit in 2002 and has been on the bench at Chelmsford for the past decade.
He also sat as a judge in the High Court's Family Division.
Peter Clark spoke on behalf of the barristers and described Judge Hayward Smith as "a proper judge".
He said: "The respect and esteem in which your honour has been held over all these years is matched by the true warmth and affection with which you are remembered as well."
Anthony Kirk QC, from 1 King's Bench Walk Chambers, referred to his friend's specialist fields of crime and family work which had encompassed his time from a junior barrister to a judge.
Mr Kirk also talked about Judge Hayward Smith's involvement with the implementation of the 1991 Children's Act – his published articles and legal publications, including Jackson's Matrimonial Finance and Taxation, which has become a standard legal text book, describing it as "a significant legacy".
He added that Judge Hayward Smith's 23 years as a judge in the Family Division was "an unrivalled record".
Chelmsford Crown Court delivery manager Susan Murphy then spoke on behalf of court staff and wished Judge Hayward Smith a happy and relaxing retirement.
In reply he spoke of his 35 happy years at the Bar and ten years on the Bench, mainly at Chelmsford.
"Chelmsford has been the icing on the cake. It's been a pleasure to work with everybody here," he said.
