4 days ago
Called to the Bar – judge takes historic role bringing city and courts together
A RESPECTED crown court judge has been celebrated for taking on a historic role – in a short ceremony held above a temporary bar.
Judge Adam Feest KC was proclaimed as the honorary recorder of Salisbury on Saturday, July 19 in Guildhall square.
The space is currently hosting Fayre on the Square, featuring street food, crazy croquet and a bar and stage.
Judge Feest, who presides over cases at Winchester and Salisbury's crown courts, was appointed to the role by city councillors on May 12.
The title dates back hundreds of years and represents the relationship between the judiciary and the city.
The judge was joined on the stage on Saturday by the city's 764th mayor, John Wells, and mayoress Josephine Wells.
Judge Feest said: 'It is a great privilege and honour to be appointed as the honorary recorder of this city.
'Being trusted with such a prestigious and historic role in a city which is rich in heritage – legal and otherwise with the Magna Carta – is a great pleasure.
'As part of my role, I'm committed to upholding the values which the courts and the city hold so dear and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.'
He invited the public to attend court to see staff's work to 'uphold the rule of law, keep you safe and hold everybody accountable for their actions'.
Members of the public are entitled to attend most criminal cases heard in Salisbury at the law courts on Wilton Road.
Salisbury Law Courts on Wilton Road (Image: Spencer Mulholland)
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Cllr Wells said: 'On behalf of the city council and the people of Salisbury, I am delighted to formally proclaim His Honour Judge Adam Feest KC as the honorary recorder of Salisbury.
'The role of honorary recorder symbolises not only legal tradition but also the shared values of fairness, justice and public service we all uphold.
'Judge Feest brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in criminal law, having served both King's Counsel and now as the circuit judge for the western circuit.
'He has worked on some of the most serious and complex cases in the country and is widely respected for his integrity and professionalism.
'His dedication to justice has been recognised at the highest level, and we are privileged to welcome him into his honorary civic role.
'I hope this appointment will help bridge the gap between the judiciary and the people of Salisbury, making justice feel more accessible, more human and more connected to the lives we lead here in our great city.'
Judge Timothy Mousley KC was Salisbury's previous honorary recorder. He was appointed in November 2023 but stepped down when he retired.
