A Life of Crime
The Memoirs of a High Court Judge
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- £2.99
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- £2.99
Publisher Description
The Hon. Sir Harry Ognall is a retired judge of the High Court, Queen’s Bench Division. For many years, he enjoyed a formidable reputation as an advocate at the criminal Bar. As counsel, and later as judge, he was involved in numerous high-profile trials, both here and abroad.
Among many cases as a QC, he prosecuted Peter Sutcliffe, the so-called ‘Yorkshire Ripper’. He successfully defended six officers of the Air Force of Zimbabwe at their trial in Harare, where they faced a charge of treasonable sabotage.
As a judge, he presided over the trial of Colin Stagg (the alleged ‘Wimbledon Common murderer’), the trial arising from the Lyme Bay canoe tragedy, and the trial for the first time in the United Kingdom of a doctor’s alleged involvement in euthanasia.
Thoughtful and provocative, Sir Harry has advice for the aspiring young advocate, and invests this penetrating memoir with warmth, humour and understanding. His frank portrait of a lifetime in the criminal law offers unique perspectives on some of the most notorious cases of the 20th Century, and fascinating insights into a colourful professional life and the burdens and responsibilities that come with the privilege of high judicial office.
Customer Reviews
What a life this was
Having been a Prison Officer for over 2 decades, and having the privilage to sit in Sir Harry’s Court a number of times, in the dock, but on the right side of the Law, it has been great to read his story. Mr Justice Ognall ruled his court with a firm hand, and putting the fear of God into anyone who dared to move or even breath at times. He was po faced, but one of my colleauges once said “I bet he’s a good laugh when he is on the beer” having read this I think he was right… Great book! I am now going to write my own book about an "ordinary life”.