Renowned Old Bailey prosecutor Michael Worsley QC retires at 84

Tuesday February 16, 2010

By DAVID ST GEORGE

RENOWNED Old Bailey prosecutor Michael Worsley QC has bowed out after 55 years at  the Bar.

Glowing tributes were paid to the 84 year-old when judges, fellow barristers and court staff gathered in the famous Court 1.

The former Camden resident described as a legal legend by his colleagues, moved to the South coast some years ago after building his own house "with the help of a DIY book and two labourers". He was once a china salesman and then in the fur trade in the West End.

Seeking a change, he hopped off a bus at the Aldwych when he had "a couple of hours to kill" and wandered into the Royal Courts of Justice to watch the lawyers at work.

"I caught the bug and never wanted to do anything else except work in criminal law," he said.

Recorder of London Peter Beaumont and fell QC Sir Allan Green said Mr Worsley's retirement was "the end of an era".