Judges, barristers and journalists have paid tribute to a veteran writer and producer who worked for a newspaper in Brighton before joining the BBC.
Jeremy Britton, the former deputy editor of the now defunct Brighton and Hove Leader, has retired after almost 30 years working for the broadcaster at the Old Bailey, in London.
One of Britain’s leading law reporters Siân Harrison wrote: “Court Number One at the Central Criminal Court, better known as the Old Bailey, has seen some things in its time.
“But nothing like the valedictory given today in honour of BBC stalwart Jeremy Britton, who has taken his leave from the press benches after almost 30 years there.
“Judges, lawyers, court staff and fellow journalists who have known him over the years filed into court to hear the Recorder of London Mark Lucraft KC pay tribute to his work and his vast legal knowledge.
“Plus his unfailing politeness when reminding judges what restrictions they can and can’t make.
“What he knows of the Old Bailey and its inner workings is simply astonishing.
“To those who know him, he’s a wonderful colleague, mentor and friend and he’ll be hugely missed by all at court and beyond.
“A true journalist full of incredible tales from his long career, all told with his inimitable delivery (he’s very funny).
“To those who don’t, he’s been behind the broadcaster’s coverage of some of the most high-profile trials of the past three decades.
“And he’s responsible for making sure the public is well informed – not only about cases at the court but the criminal justice system and its quirks. A remarkable achievement.
“These words from Jeremy’s own speech this morning were ringing in my ears as we left: ‘I should conclude by saying that the one thing that continues to amaze any visitor I show around Court 1 of the Old Bailey are the brass inkwells that remain in the press benches.
“‘They mark the start of the court reporting story and show how our presence has been ingrained into the very fabric of the building for more than a century.
“‘As long as reporters continue to sit here, report proceedings and break verdicts then the future should hold no fear.’”
Mr Britton bowed out on Friday 3 October and among those who praised his work was Tom Little, who prosecuted Constance Marten and Mark Gordon for the gross negligence manslaughter of their baby. The decomposed remains of Victoria were found in an allotment shed in Brighton.
A fellow BBC journalist Helena Wilkinson said praised “the most wonderful farewell yesterday for our dear colleague Jeremy Britton, the BBC’s courts producer based at the Central Criminal Court, who has left the corporation after nearly three decades”.
She said: “A special Valedictory was arranged for him by the Recorder of London Judge Mark Lucraft KC in Court 1 at the Old Bailey.
“Judges, barristers, court staff, BBC colleagues, journalists from other organisations and others packed into the courtroom to show their admiration for Mr Britton.
“Personally, I have so much to thank Jeremy for. He has been pivotal in my growth, experience and understanding of the courts and reporting from them.
“All of us who have had the pleasure of working with Jeremy will miss him greatly.”
Former BBC journalist Danny Shaw said: “I can’t begin to say what a fantastic colleague Jeremy was to me and so many others.
“Never seeking the limelight or the glory, nothing was ever too much to ask. His understanding of the courts, legal procedures and the criminal law went way beyond anything in a textbook.
“That he had the trust of judges, court officials and lawyers tells you everything about his integrity.”
Emily Pennink, the award-winning crime and courts correspondent at the Old Bailey for the Press Association, Britain’s main national news agency, said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in crime than Jeremy.”
