Judge Timothy Mousley thanks court staff at the 'sharp edge' of justice system cuts as he becomes Portsmouth's honorary recorder

A CIRCUIT judge has been sworn in as the city's new honorary recorder – thanking court staff for their work 'at the sharp edge' of the cash-strapped justice system.

Judge Timothy Mousley QC praised Portsmouth Crown Court's 'great team' as he replaced judge Roger Hetherington in the role yesterday.

Mr Mousley has worked in Portsmouth for more than 35 years and returned to the city after a stint spent on the bench in Swindon, which began in 2012.

After he was sworn in by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, David Fuller, he told the packed court room: 'You are a great team to work with – you make the work of judges so much easier to deal with.

'These have been difficult times in recent years, with financial cuts, and you are the ones at the sharp edge who bear the brunt.

'I'm very much looking forward to being part of the team here.'

Among those in the courtroom on Monday was Mr Mousley’s younger brother, William Mousley QC.