Gerry's cafe in Bradford court named after former judge

In 1992, His Honour Judge Gerald Coles QC was appointed the first Resident Judge at Bradford Crown Court and held the role for eight years, until 2000.

He continued working as a senior circuit judge until shortly before his death in 2002.

His Honour Judge Gerald Coles (Image: Newsquest)

Judge Coles was known by local lawyers as “Gerry” and the cafeteria, which serves the busy court facility, has been named Gerry’s in his memory.

Bradford’s current Resident Judge, His Honour Judge Jonathan Rose, joined colleagues Judge Jonathan Gibson and Judge Kirstie Watson as well as Judge Coles’ sons and grandson for an intimate ceremony to officially name the cafeteria.

Gerry's cafe (Image: Newsquest)

Also present were barrister Alisha Kaye and solicitor Safter Salam, who helped coordinate the unveiling ceremony.

Judge Rose said his predecessor was “universally loved” by those who worked with him in the courts, and in recalling the kindness and support he showed to those around him it was right that the cafeteria should be named after him.

Judge Jonathan Rose speaks at the ceremony (Image: Newsquest)

He said it was “an honour and a privilege” to be present to honour Judge Coles and joked: “He was quite fond of the odd snack.”

The unveiling of a framed photograph of Judge Coles was performed by middle son Chris and watched by brothers Matthew and Andrew, and grandson Ben, who had all travelled to Bradford for the occasion.

The unveiling of the framed photograph of Judge Coles (Image: Newsquest)

Commenting on the picture, they said: “It captures quite well his humour but also the fact that he could be firm, but fair.

“He was very proud of being Resident Judge in Bradford. We never heard him talk about the responsibility of it, just that it was a job that was given to him and he was going to do it to the best of his ability.

: Matthew Coles, Chris Coles, Ben Coles, Andrew Coles, Judge Jonathan Gibson, Judge Jonathan Rose, Judge Kirstie Watson, and Louise Holmes, operations manager, Bradford Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

“He used to talk quite a lot about the people that were here running the place [at the Crown Court].

“He absolutely appreciated what they did and he knew how to get the best out of them, and that was by leading them.”

None of Judge Coles’ sons followed him into the judiciary. Chris said: “It was the one business that he could help us get into, and none of us did.

“We’re very glad that we have all managed to connect for this. We are very proud of him.”

Grandson Ben added: “I remember him really well. Not as a judge. Just as grandpa.”