HH Paul Batty KC (1953 – 2023)

It is with great sadness that Chambers has received news that Paul Batty died at the weekend in York Hospital. 

Paul was called to the Bar (Lincoln’s Inn) in 1975 and completed his pupillage at 51 Westgate Road. He enjoyed a stellar career at the Bar, taking Silk in 1995. He was appointed a Circuit Judge in 2003 and became Resident Judge and then Honorary Recorder of Carlisle. In 2016 he was proud to elected Freeman of Carlisle. Between 2015 and 2019 he served as Resident Judge and Honorary Recorder of York. He also sat as a Judge in the Court of Appeal. 

Beyond all that, Paul was a remarkable character: brim-full of wit and humour he was a marvellous raconteur with a limitless store of hilarious anecdotes. In giving a eulogy for his pupil master, Jim Stephenson, Paul observed how Jim could made words dance. So could Paul. 

Over so many years Paul’s contribution to the life and legend of the great Circuits of the North has been enormous, most recently in his collaboration with HH Robert Taylor in the publication of the History of the North Eastern Circuit; a true champion of Circuit it was a task he approached with relish. 

He is held in the greatest affection by his many friends, and he will be very sadly missed. 

All members of chambers join in sending condolences to Angela, Sarah, and his grandchildren. 

John Elvidge KC