"An outstanding Bailiff of Guernsey"

Wednesday 29 April 2020

This week's full court sitting was the first of its kind - held virtually, bringing together people across four jurisdictions - but it also marked an end for the Bailiff, who sat for the last time before he retires.

Sir Richard Collas joined together with all 16 Jurats and many others for the Microsoft Teams meeting, which saw the swearing in of Jeremy Storey as a Judge of the Court of Appeal and Stephen Jones OBE as Judge Délégué.

"Welcome to this rather extraordinary sitting of the full court," the Bailiff began. "Not only do we have people present all over the island of Guernsey, but we also have people across other jurisdictions; all three of the Crown Dependencies and Scotland. Never has this happened before and hopefully we will never see circumstances in which it needs to happen again, but it is good that technology allows it."

Judge Storey joined the meeting from the Isle of Man, becoming only the second Judge in the jurisdiction to be appointed to Guernsey's Court of Appeal. He was called to the English bar back in 1974 and has more than 20 years of experience as a Judge.

Pictured: Jeremy Storey was sworn in from his own home in the Isle of Man.

"Many of the legal problems we face as small British islands are similar," Sir Richard Collas explained. "A common factor and an important one is the work of the financial services in our islands is much the same.

"I enjoy sitting in your island and I'm sure you will enjoy sitting here."

Judge Storey takes over from Sir Michael Birt who has retired from the role. He has served as Judge in the Court of Appeal since 2005 when he was appointed Bailiff of Jersey, and is the only Bailiff in either of the Channel Islands to continue to sit after his time as Bailiff came to an end.

"Sir Michael has applied his intellect, judgement and sound wisdom in all areas of the law," said Sir Richard. "I know that he will be sadly missed by all his colleagues.

"He has been a great help to me; I not only benefited from his advice but his support professionally and personally.

Pictured: Tributes were paid to Sir Michael Birt who is retiring from his role.

"I am very sorry we're unable to mark your retirement and show our appreciation in the traditional way. I look forward to seeing you on the high seas when we are once again able to resume our favourite pastime."

But Sir Michael is not the only one retiring from his role, as the Bailiff of Guernsey is due to step down next month. This week's sitting was his last full court.

"It's a great sadness to me that this retirement of yours is going to happen without us all being able to be present to pay you the proper tribute, which we should," Sir Michael told Sir Richard.

"We worked very closely together. It was always a great privilege to me to have your friendship and sound advice. In my humble opinion, you have been an outstanding Bailiff of Guernsey, not just on the judicial side but also on the civic and the States side. I think that is why you are not only respected in Jersey but you are popular - popularity doesn't always come with being Bailiff.

Pictured: Sir Richard Collas will retire from his role as Bailiff next month.

"In Guernsey, you are warmly regarded by so many and that is a great tribute to you. Guernsey has been very lucky to have you as a Bailiff."

The current Deputy Bailiff, Richard McMahon will take over in May.

"In my dreams I had planned to say very much more at this last sitting of the court before I retire, but in these circumstances that seems inappropriate," added Sir Richard. "I look forward to a future time when I can show my thanks and appreciation."

Pictured top: This week's sitting was held via Microsoft Teams.