Deceased and much-loved court-watcher paid a tribute befitting a judge at Sheffield Crown Court
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Andrew Mollison, aged 74, of Southey Green, Sheffield, died last week to the sadness of all those at Sheffield Crown Court where he had once walked the corridors of justice watching some of the most high-profile cases from the public galleries for several decades.
A eulogy – of the kind reserved for barristers or judges - was held before any of the day’s procedings in Court 7 with two other court rooms connected by video-link to accommodate all those wishing to pay their respects and with many tuned-in via video-links from across the country.
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Hide AdJudge Jeremy Richardson QC, The Recorder of Sheffield, said: “It was last Tuesday, just over a week ago, that the sad news arrived telling us of the death of Andrew Mollison.
"Judges, retired judges, barristers, retired barristers, solicitors and court staff were all greatly saddened to hear the news.
"Andrew was an institution in this court. He was the ‘Senior Court Watcher’.”
Mr Mollison followed many judges to ceremonies and hearings in London including the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords.
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Hide AdJudge Richardson was inundated with messages of condolence and revealed Mr Mollison was considered “a family member” by many of those with links to the court.
His kindness was remembered as many recalled being treated to gifts including pens, diaries and sweets and Mr Mollison developed particular bonds with Judge Peter Kelson QC, Judge Sarah Wright and the barristers and staff at Bank House Chambers particularly the firm’s Senior Clerk Wayne Digby.
Judge Kelson QC said: “There was only one Andrew. By that I don’t mean he was unique. I mean it in that he only had one face. There was no deceit in him. What you saw is what you got. You could trust him. He was profoundly loyal.”
Judge Kelson added: “If everyone behaved towards each other as Andrew behaved to all those who knew him the world would be a better place.”
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Hide AdBarrister Gul Nawaz Hussain QC, of Bank House Chambers, praised Andrew’s wit, generosity and his knowedge of Sheffield Crown Court.
He said: “Every small gift from Andrew was ‘hello’, ‘how are you’, ‘I like and respect you’, and ‘I value what you do’.
Mr Hussain added Andrew taught us not to “judge books by their cover” but to “take a moment and listen to all those you meet ever day”.
Judge Michael Murphy QC, formerly of Sheffield, laid claim to Andrew having been the longest-serving court-watcher in the country with an estimated record of 42 years including the court’s old building on Castle Street.
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Hide AdMr Mollison, who was born in Eccelsfield, was also well-known as a car park attendant during Sheffield United’s home games and he was a keen Sheffield Wednesday supporter.
Judge Richardson added: “We shall miss him and there are many here at Court 7 and all around the country who were close to him who will miss him even more.”
Mr Mollison died on November 10 after suffering a coronary. He had tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month.