Judge criticises Heywood lawyer Alan Blacker for 'Harry Potter' appearance

A judge has criticised Heywood based solicitor-advocate, Alan Blacker for appearing in court looking like "something out of Harry Potter".

Long-haired Alan Blacker, who is a solicitor at the Joint Armed Forces Legal Advocacy Service, York Street, Heywood, appeared with St John Ambulance medals and ribbons on his gown during a trial in Cardiff Crown Court.

Judge Morgan said to him: "If you want look like something out of Harry Potter you can forget coming to this court ever again. I have been practising in these courts since 1978 and I have never seen a barrister or solicitor appear before these courts wearing a medal or with badges sewn onto his gown.’

"Here in South Wales we had a barrister, who later became a judge, who had won during the Battle of Normandy the highest order of gallantry in a Victoria Cross. Did you ever see him wearing a medal? He would have considered it the height of vulgarity for such a thing to be done.

"If you ever appear before this court again dressed as you are I shall exercise my right to decline to hear you."

During the trial, Mr Blacker had used the name Lord Harley, saying it was an Irish peerage inherited from his father.

Speaking after the case, Mr Blacker said: "My qualifications, status and offices were brought into disrepute and I was personally very upset by the comments made towards me.

"I am shocked to the core that my position has been questioned - which is I feel reflective of the sacrifice of thousands of men who have died for the freedoms that are referred to in the title of Lord Harley for almost 1,100 years.

"For His Honour to have criticised me in such a way has hurt me deeply.

"I cannot say any more for legal reasons but I am deeply upset for what I consider were baseless and unjustified comments.

"I asked to see the judge in his chambers afterwards and he declined and now I have to take advice on the matter.

"My bona fides are beyond any reproach."

Mr Blacker told the Law Society Gazette that he believes the judge criticsied him "because I am Irish and from Rochdale and due to the snobbish, hateful attitude that some barristers and judges have towards my branch of the profession". He also said he was wearing St John Ambulance ribbons in a "discreet place at the bottom of my robe away from the jury".

However, St John in Wales told the BBC that Lord Harley is not a member of the Order of St John and it had contacted the police over the issue.

Chief executive Keith Dunn said: "He is not entitled to say that he is a Knight of the Order of St John and the dignities that appertain to membership.

"We have asked the chief constable for South Wales Police to investigate this matter and St John will be taking legal action if necessary."