TRIBUTES have been paid to a larger-than-life judge on the North-East circuit.

Gerard Harkins, who was taken ill last week, died in hospital in Newcastle on Sunday, aged 67.

Although he officially retired three years ago, after 15 years as a circuit judge, he was still asked to preside over cases on an occasional basis.

Educated at Mount St Mary's College, Sheffield, and later at King's College, Newcastle - then part of Durham University - he trained as a dentist.

But he had a mid-life career change, turning to the law, and was called to the bar in 1969, practising as a barrister until his appointment as a circuit judge in 1986.

He became known for his swift handling of cases, but, despite his sometimes volatile nature, he was widely recognised for his fair treatment of defendants.

Eulogies were paid prior to proceedings at Durham Crown Court, where presiding judge Richard Lowden said: "He was a colourful character, gregarious, a bon-viveur, and someone whose life will be talked about with affection and with a smile on people's faces.

"The news has shocked and saddened us. We'll all miss Gerard, and we express condolences to his family."

Judge Lowden also spoke of Judge Harkin's quality of mercy and his devotion to his elderly mother, who he lived with at the family home in Jesmond, Newcastle, until her recent death, at the age of 102.

Speaking on behalf of the bar, barrister Roger Moore said: "The judge, the man, was literally a larger than life personality, and in many ways it makes his sudden passing all the more shocking."

Funeral details will be announced shortly.