Courts stop to honour Charles.

COURTS in Cardiff and Merthyr came to a halt yesterday to mark the death of a "very distinguished" barrister and judge.

Charles Cook, a criminal barrister and Wales and Chester circuit judge who sat extensively at Cardiff Crown Court, died on Wednesday, October 7. At Merthyr Crown Court, Judge John Curran called barristers and solicitors into court one to pay tribute to the criminal practitioner. "He sat for many years as a recorder in Cardiff and was devoted to the Wales and Chester circuit," he said.

Judge Curran said Mr Cook would be remembered with great affection and as a member of the Bar who would give tirelessly of his time and knowledge, especially to those younger members who benefited from his leadership.

Judge Curran called the court to stand to pay a silent tribute as, he said, was being done in Cardiff as well.

Barrister Huw Evans said Mr Cook was "a classicist, a true gentleman and sophisticated man, an ambassador, who was always available to lend a helping hand, and ready with a quick humour and anecdotes".