FOR MORE than a decade, Judge Paul Batty KC was on the front line of Cumbria’s criminal justice system in his role as a Carlisle Crown Court judge.

He rose to become the city’s most senior 'resident' judge, playing a key role in the life of this county.

Judge Batty, who passed away last month at the age of 69, is survived by his wife, Angela, their daughter, Sarah, and two grandchildren.

Our readers left their condolences.

Doug Watson said: "I remember him as a prosecutor in many trials at Newcastle Crown Court where he had the nickname among the Press pack The Exterminator because of his ability to destroy a lying witness’s evidence in cross-examination in just a few razor-sharp questions.

"He was a brilliant barrister and seemed a very decent, humane guy," he added.

Tony Morland commented: "I did jury service many years ago, with Paul Batty in the chair. A very formidable character. He certainly knew his job. RIP."

A web user said: "A sad passing. Carlisle's victims of crime miss Judge Batty who always put victims first. R.I.P. Your Honour," while another web user said: "The finest Crown Court Judge Carlisle has had the honour to have had serving. A very fair and honest man."