Council thanks long-serving Family Court judge

As His Honour Judge Alan Booth retires from a career in the Family Courts, Blackburn with Darwen Council puts on record its thanks for his service.

Since 2009 His Honour Judge Booth has been a High Court Judge sitting in the Family Court in Blackburn and the Family Division of the High Court. During this time he has heard many public law children cases, including complex child abuse and adoption cases. Prior to this, he worked as a barrister in London and Manchester for over 30 years.

His Honour Judge Booth has also been a regular speaker at training events for solicitors and barristers.

Although retiring from his full-time role, His Honour Judge Booth will continue to sit part-time as a Deputy High Court Judge hearing family finance cases, and as a Family Law Arbitrator.

Asad Laher, the Council’s Deputy Director of Legal and Governance, commented:

His Honour Judge Booth has been a consistent and reliable member of our local family justice system for many years. His fair and empathetic approach to the often difficult circumstances in which our children and families find themselves has undoubtedly made their experience of the family court easier to bear.

We have been honoured to have His Honour Judge Booth on our circuit and he will be greatly missed.

The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Brian Taylor, attended His Honour Judge Booth’s retirement celebrations on Friday 10 January. Councillor Taylor added:

I am full of respect for a gentleman who has dedicated over 40 years of his working life to family law. On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank Judge Booth for his service to our borough.

The Mayor presented His Honour Judge Booth with a plaque bearing the Council crest, in recognition of his service to the borough.