A NEW judge has been welcomed to Bradford Crown Court by the city’s Honorary Recorder and a packed courtroom of judges, lawyers, probation officers and court staff.

Judge Mark Savill was wished a happy and successful time at Bradford by Judge Roger Thomas QC, supported by barrister, Stephen Wood.

Judge Savill, who comes to the city from Manchester, said it was an ‘honour and privilege’ to work in such a superb court centre. He told the gathering: “I am blessed to have been offered this opportunity and I will do everything in my power to repay the trust and privilege that has been granted to me.”

Judge Thomas said Bradford Combined Court Centre was the best on the North Eastern Circuit, with friendly and helpful staff.

Mr Wood said Judge Savill would find Yorkshire people kind, witty, loyal and humble.

“Yorkshire is very much like Lancashire, just better. You will be very, very happy here,” he said. Judge Savill began his new job with a packed 10.30am court list that included cases of assault, drug dealing and dangerous driving.