‘I am sorry. Very rude of me’: Judge’s phone rings during High Court hearing

The judge apologises after his ringtone – a classic 1960s tune used as part of cricket coverage – was heard in court.


                              'I am sorry. Very rude of me': Judge's phone rings during High Court hearing

A High Court judge has apologised after his mobile phone rang during a hearing, filling the room with the sound of a classic 1960s tune.

Judge David Holland was assessing the concerns of environmental campaigners about the impact of the HS2 rail line when his handset’s ringtone, the rhythm and blues classic Soul Limbo, was heard.

“I am sorry,” said the judge as he switched off the phone in the court in London on Wednesday. “Very rude of me.”

The song, by American band Booker T and the MGs, was for many years used to introduce the BBC’s Test match cricket coverage.

He is not the only judge whose proceedings have been interrupted by phones going off and the justice system is showing signs of adapting to the technology.

In 2017, a different High Court judge, Mr Justice Holman, told a lawyer whose phone had rung that he did not mind if mobiles went off during hearings and urged the red-faced representative to answer it.

In 2018, a judge had a mobile phone conversation with an office clerk while overseeing a High Court hearing in London.

Judge Richard Todd answered a call from a member of staff in a bid to solve an administrative problem after his handset rang at the start of a trial.

Judge Holland, also a barrister, is a member of Lancashire County Cricket Club, Surrey County Cricket Club and the MCC, according to his chambers website.


                              'I am sorry. Very rude of me': Judge's phone rings during High Court hearing

HS2 could cost extra £22bn and face seven-year delay

Transport secretary says HS2's chairman does not believe the high-speed railway can be delivered within its £55.7bn budget

Environmental campaigners are waiting for the judge’s ruling on their latest court fight.

HS2 bosses say protesters are unlawfully occupying land near a construction site in Hillingdon, west London, and want Judge Holland to grant them “possession”.

Protesters disagree and have opposed HS2’s application.

Judge Holland finished analysing evidence on Wednesday and is due to deliver a ruling soon.

    Next article

    ‘Let me out!’ – Man gets last laugh at his own funeral

Source

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.