District Judge Tim Pattinson steps down after 15 years

District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) Tim Pattinson, who was appointed to the District Bench in May 2009, stepped down on Thursday, July 31, following his final sitting at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court.

He began his judicial career in Oxford before returning to Hampshire and presided over cases in courts across Hampshire and neighbouring counties.

District Judge Tim Pattinson. (Image: Stephen Nicholls) Following the conclusion of business on Thursday morning, the courtroom was filled with former and current colleagues, magistrates, members of staff, Crown Prosecution and defence lawyers, members of the Probation Service and court ushers, family and friends.

Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring led the tributes and described District Judge Pattinson as "a judge of intellect, quiet strength and unfailing decency."

Born in Hampshire, he qualified as a solicitor in 1983 and worked as a criminal defence solicitor before becoming a deputy district judge and then taking up a full-time post.

District Judge Pattinson thanked all those present who had all been a part of his journey through the criminal justice system over a long and interesting journey.

Many colleagues, past and present, shared their well wishes, with some joining remotely from across the country to mark the occasion.