Esther Richmond - Statement by His Honour Deemster Doyle, First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls

News Publication Date: 17 April 2013

It was with great sadness that I received the news this morning that Esther Richmond had died after a recent illness.

It was only a couple of weeks ago that I visited her at Nobles Hospital one Friday night on my way home from work. She was in good spirits. I am glad I had an opportunity to talk to her and tell her how much I appreciated the contribution she had made to the Island.

At the swearing in ceremony of the Deputy High Bailiff on the 29th July 2011 I took the opportunity to thank Esther for her contribution to the coverage of criminal cases appearing in the Summary Courts and in the Court of General Gaol Delivery. The involvement of the media in fair and accurate court reporting is essential to maintain and enhance open justice in this jurisdiction.

Esther had been reporting on the proceedings before the court for over 40 years. That is an outstanding achievement. I am glad that I was able in open court to thank Esther in her presence and to congratulate her on a job well done.

I used to occasionally bump into Esther during my walks to get some fresh air over the luncheon adjournments. She was always frank and robust in her views. I did not always share her strongly held opinions but I respected the honest way in which they were delivered. She had the best interests of the Island in her heart and in her soul.

Jeremy Bentham said 'Publicity is the very soul of justice. It is the keenest spur to exertion and the surest of all guards against improbity.' Esther has played a significant role in ensuring the open administration of justice on this Island in the publicity she has given to the proceedings before the Courts.

When I was appointed a Bencher of Gray’s Inn Esther sent me a note of congratulations which was most appreciated. Esther was a kind, thoughtful and sensitive woman.

Esther was a remarkable woman who with her reporting of court proceedings played a key role in maintaining and enhancing open justice in this Island. I will miss Esther. The Island has lost one of its real characters. I extend my sympathy to Esther’s family and friends.

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