HHJ Judge Cottle

We are deeply saddened by the tragic news that one of our former members of chambers H.H. Judge Cottle has passed away. Graham Cottle was an exceptional barrister and having joined from 4 Pump Court he quickly built up a very successful criminal practice on Circuit before being elevated to the Bench. He had been the presiding Judge at both Truro and Exeter Court Centres and served for many years as Recorder of Exeter.

His successor H.H.J Peter Johnson led the tributes in a valedictory court session at Exeter Crown Court.

He said: “Judge Cottle oversaw many of the most significant criminal cases of the last two decades. He will be remembered as a fine man and a great judge, who had the right instincts. He was intelligent, humane, with a great understanding of human nature. He fearlessly did what he thought was right. Our leading legal light in Devon has been extinguished, but we will always remember how brightly it shone.”

Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time

Oba Nsugbe QC, Head of Chambers