ONE of the most popular judges at Maidstone Crown Court said an emotional farewell as he retired due to poor health.

Judge Anthony Balston was close to tears as he told other judges, barristers and court staff on Friday that he would have liked to continue for another five years.

Resident Judge Andrew Patience, QC, paid tribute to the 67-year-old, who was one of the first solicitors to be appointed to the bench.

Judge Balston, who lives in Northiam, East Sussex, was a partner in a leading law firm in Sussex for 20 years before becoming a Deputy Recorder in 1977.

He was appointed a circuit judge in 1985 and has been the Honorary Recorder of Hastings for 21 years.

Judge Patience ribbed his colleague about his reputation for speeding through his court list and leaving work early.

"There was a day in February 1993 when Judge Balston stayed in the afternoon beyond 3pm," he said.

On a more serious note, he said: "Judge Balston is a universally popular judge, who will be greatly missed, not only by judicial colleagues but by practitioners and court staff alike.

"Unhappily, it is for reasons of poor health that he has decided to retire, rather than the Criminal Justices Act of 2003 and other legislative triumphs."

Judge Patience said it was the fourth retirement of a judge in the past 13 months at the court.

"I want to assure everyone that there are still some judges left and there is no truth in the rumour that this building is to be renamed the Marie Celeste," he joked.

Barrister Ian Foinette said Judge Balston had "all the hallmarks of fairness and straightforwardness", adding: "This really is the end of an era. He will be greatly missed by all of us at the Bar."

Judge Balston, known for his brevity, responded: "Those who know me well will know you will not be expecting a speech from me.

"I had intended to go on for another five years. That would have brought me to the age of 72 and they would have had to kick me out in any event. What with one thing and another, I have not been able to do that."

He added: "I have never heard it said I was inferior because I was a solicitor, which it was fashionable to do at one point."