A respected crown court judge is hanging up his wig for the last time... vowing 'not to do a Frank Sinatra'.

His Honour AndrewPatience QC - who retired for the first time two years ago - has now ended not only his stint as a deputy circuit judge but also his career at the Bar.

Defence and prosecution barristers sent the judge best wishes for his life in retirement.

But typical of the modest man, the judge not only thanked his legal colleagues but also “the backroom” staff at Canterbury and Maidstone – including the clerks and ushers.

“I shall miss the people, the staff in Maidstone and Canterbury who have been so loyal and adaptable. They are asked to take on more and more and they do so willingly. Some have become great friends.

“In truth they don’t work for you...they work with you...and that makes them very special.”

The judge – known for his wry sense of humour as well as his brilliant legal mind – added with a smile: "These people have to deal with cross judges, cocky counsel, jurors who are confused and witnesses who are being difficult! They are wonderful.”

He reflected on his 14 years on the bench in Kent, saying: “Every emotion is displayed before judges, there is humour (and that keeps me going) but there are moments of high tragedy, drama and the awesome responsibility of making decisions not only that affect the lives of defendants in front of you but also the families, is something that does weigh heavily on you.

“But it manages to keep one humble. It ensures that you do your best to achieve balance. And although you may not be popular, that’s not the point.

“Because sometimes if you don’t satisfy either side with your final decision, it probably means you have got it right!”

AndrewPatience was called to the bar in the year England won the World Cup in 1966 – although his sporting passions are cricket and horse racing (he is a joint owner of a racehorse).

He began hearing cases in 1981 as an assistant recorder and became a full recorder five years later. In 1990 he took silk – adding Queen’s Counsel to his title – and nine years later was appointed a judge at Maidstone.

"This is definitely the last time I shall be hearing cases. I have no plans to follow Frank Sinatra and keep retiring" - Judge Andrew Patience QC

Judge Patience eventually became the county town’s most senior judge but retired – for the first time – two years ago.

He then took a two-year appointment as a deputy circuit judge hearing cases in Canterbury, just a few feet away from the city’s senior judge Adele Williams - or as she is known in other circles...Mrs Patience!

But now he has hung up his wig and gown for the last time... promising not to do a “Frank Sinatra” retirement.

“No this is definitely the last time I shall be hearing cases..I have no plans to follow Frank Sinatra and keep retiring,“ he smiled.

He says that during the past few years criminal courts have become a “live political issue” with new Acts of Parliament virtually every year.

“When I first started sentencing was very, very simple. Now it is incredibly complicated. Sentencing remarks have become much longer with judges having to ask themselves if they have left anything out. I am not sure this is for the better. “

He said that there was a time judges could rely on "what I call the feel of a case - although I can't define that" - but now judges have to sentence within ever-changing guidelines.

But his life in retirement looks as busy as one of his Monday morning court lists, being president of Kent’s Red Cross volunteers, a member of the Kent Ambassadors, patron of the Chatham Historical Dockyard Society, a school governor and church warden.

He is also Dover Town Council’s honorary Recorder of Dover and recently attended the re-dedication of the town’s war memorial, which has had more names added.