Tributes as former Judge at Grimsby Crown Court dies shortly after retiring

Judge Paul Watson passed away. He died in December 2024, at age 71. He had recently retired from the Grimsby Crown Court. Tributes came from his fellow judges.

Just before his death, Judge Watson was working in Grimsby and Hull. He had returned from retirement to help last year. He was a well-respected judge and colleague.

Born in Harrogate, he was an Army child and lived in Cyprus when he was young. Paul studied law at Leeds Polytechnic. Gray’s Inn admitted him to the Bar in 1978.

Paul began his career as a court clerk in Sheffield. He then joined the Army Legal Corps in 1980. In 1978, Paul met his wife, Sally. They married in 1980 and had a son, Richard, in 1982.

He served in Aldershot and West Germany, becoming a Major in 1983. Paul also advised special forces in Virginia, USA. Later, he represented soldiers in court.

An Army colleague suggested he join the Bar, and he became a pupil in 1985. Paul became a King’s Counsel in 2002. He was the first Army lawyer to achieve this distinction.

He became head of his chambers and, in 2011, merged Paradise Chambers with St John’s Buildings. He had a clear vision for the future of the chambers.

Paul became a Circuit Judge in 2012 and later became Honorary Recorder of Hull. In 2020, he became Honorary Recorder of Middlesbrough. He was proud of being a North Easterner.

He loved his life as a lawyer, and his wife, Sally, said law was also his hobby. People loved him beyond his legal skills. He was funny, approachable, and human.

Paul used humor frequently, mixing observations and jokes. He once suggested the Army Legal Corps motto be “Who Cares Who Wins?”

Though Paul’s work involved hearing awful cases, he said he remained trusting. He’d even give his PIN to a phone scammer. He tried helping people avoid prison.

He enjoyed being a judge in his hometown and became friends with Gary Burrell. Gary introduced him to sailing as a hobby.

Paul was a great friend to many, and colleagues said he truly cared. He supported junior lawyers, giving good advice over a drink. Paul enjoyed football, sailing, music, and the law.

He did not brag about anything, and Paul worked hard and showed initiative. He drove buses and made gnomes to pay for exams. He proved a bus ticket wasn’t a legal problem.

Paul united members during a merger and contributed to a forensic pathology textbook. Many people lost a dear friend. They will miss his smile and optimism. They send condolences to Sally and Richard.