THE SWORD of justice at a traditional court centre is passing among former colleagues at North-East barristers chambers.

Judge Richard Lowden, the Honorary Judicial Recorder of Durham, reaches the end of his second and final four-year stint as Durham Crown Court’s resident judge at the end of the month.

He will pass the baton on to successor Judge Christopher Prince, who takes over as resident judge from Monday November 2.

Judge Lowden leaves the 200-year-old court in good shape, having recently achieved by far the best efficiency figures for dealing with cases on the North-East circuit, which is itself among the leading areas of the country.

During his eight years in Durham, since taking over from Judge Denis Orde, Judge Lowden helped to earn the court the right to stage class two cases, those in the serious sex category.

He has also overseen the advent of new technology, despite the traditional design of the court, particularly a tv-link facility for vulnerable and child witnesses giving evidence.

"I was met with a feasibility study considering closing it, at least as a free standing court, to possibly make it a trial centre, as a satellite of Teesside Crown Court.

"I stood against that and we’ve gone from strength to strength.

"I’ve really enjoyed working here with staff who work so well together to ensure it operates as a court with humanity."

Judge Lowden, who still has three years serving on the North-East court circuit before hanging up his wig and gown, said he is leaving the Durham complex in, "a safe pair of hands".

He worked alongside his successor as resident judge while both were barristers in chambers in Newcastle in the 1980s.

Judge Prince, who was called to the bar in 1981 and became a judge in 2006, said he takes over from Judge Lowden at a thriving court centre.

"I aspire to continue the tradition established by my predecessor of operating as part of a team, at an innovative, busy and highly efficient court, in this beautiful and historic building."

During his residency Judge Prince hopes to develop community relations to "engage" more with various public groups.