Peter Thornton (judge)

Peter Thornton QC styled His Honour Judge Peter Thornton QC is a Senior Circuit Judge at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey).[1]

Peter Thornton was appointed a a Circuit Judge on the South Eastern circuit on the 12th of November 2007. [2]

Mr Thornton is the joint founder and former head of London's Doughty Street chambers.[3]

Contents

Role in the Tomlinson Inquest

Peter Thornton was appointed to preside over the inquest into the Death of Ian Tomlinson replacing the City of London Coroner.

On the 29th of March 2001, the first day of the inquest with the jury present Thornton warned the jury not to conduct independent research on the internet, read press coverage on the internet or voice their views over Twitter or Facebook.[4]. He also told the jury they would not be able to access the inquest transcripts on the grounds: "that is the way it is always done". [5]

On the 30th of March 2011 Mr Thornton ruled the jury could ask questions [passed via notes] of witnesses. [6]

Peter Thornton's Other Roles[7]

Photograph

References

  1. ^ Peter Thornton Biography on Tomlinson Inquest website
  2. ^ List of Members of the Judiciary - Circuit Judge List
  3. ^ BBC Article: Key People - Death of Ian Tomlinson
  4. ^ Guardian Live Blog - Tomlinson Inquest Day One
  5. ^ Transcript of Tomlinson Inquest, 29th March 2011, Afternoon Session
  6. ^ Transcript of Tomlinson Inquest, 20th March 2011, Morning Session
  7. ^ Peter Thornton QC appointed Senior Circuit Judge - Doughty Street Chambers