THE CROWN court began the day with a two-minute’s silence, following the death of the Queen yesterday.
In courtroom one, the largest of Oxford Crown Court’s three courtrooms, Judge Michael Gledhill KC said: “In view of the tragic death of Her Majesty the Queen yesterday afternoon, she being the fount of justice in addition to being our monarch, I am going to have a two minute silence at this stage.”
Sat beneath the royal coat of arms, the judge was wearing a set of pleated ‘mourning bands’ in addition to a set of white cuffs covering the end of his black robes’ sleeves. Called ‘weepers’, the ceremonial cuffs were so-called as they could be used by the wearer to dab his eyes.
Last night, the most senior judge in England and Wales, the Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett, said: "Today is a day of great sadness for all judicial office holders in England and Wales, across the United Kingdom and around the Commonwealth.
"Her Majesty’s service to this country and the Commonwealth throughout the seven decades of her reign has been unparalleled."
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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.
To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk
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