Peter Davies, a quick-witted and clever criminal barrister and judge who lived in Eden for more than a decade and latterly became the Recorder of Carlisle, has died following a long illness.
Peter began his legal career upon election to the historic Northern Circuit in 1986 — following in the footsteps of his father, Joe Davies — having recently joined the Melbourne Buildings Chambers in Liverpool.
There, according to current northern section leader Lisa Roberts, he “quickly established himself as a quick-witted and clever criminal barrister, with a dedication to the job and warmth of personality which made him an attractive proposition to both the prosecuting and defence solicitors of Merseyside.”
In 1993, Peter was welcomed with open arms when he joined Corn Exchange Chambers, which merged with Martin’s Bank to become 7 Harrington Street six years later.
He was appointed firstly as a recorder – a part-time judge – in 2002 and then, 10 years later, a circuit judge.
Peter initially sat in Bolton before, in 2015, he became the resident judge and then Recorder of Carlisle.
Lisa added: “The deep affection with which he is held in Carlisle by local advocates, solicitors and court staff is palpable and serves as a testament to his judicial qualities and his human qualities.
“But for all his professional achievements, it was at home that he was at his happiest with his beloved wife, Sarah, and their four children.”
The family moved from Liverpool to Hilton, near Appleby, in 2004, before relocating to Kendal in 2017.
Peter was an avid fan of Liverpool Football Club, and a keen follower of top flight rugby league side St Helens.
Isla Chilton, senior district crown prosecutor for Lancashire and Cumbria, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of HHJ Davies, who will be sadly missed by everybody at the CPS.
“Since joining Carlisle in 2015 he has ensured that the court was run to a very high standard and was always willing to engage all parties, usually with a cup of tea in his chambers.
“He was unfailingly fair and kind to everybody in his court, ensuring he had the respect of everybody who appeared before him. He had a great sense of humour, he had no airs and graces, and was able to communicate freely with anybody, from a young, vulnerable witness to senior counsel; he could quite happily put into place the latter if he thought they were poorly prepared when they appeared before him.”
Peter’s funeral service took place on Wednesday at Beetham Hall Crematorium, Beetham, near Milnthorpe.
