A Life of Crime: The Memoirs of a High Court Judge

A frank and witty memoir of life at the Bar and on the Bench, from former High Court Judge The Hon. Sir Harry Ognall. For many years, Harry Ognall enjoyed a formidable reputation as an advocate at the criminal Bar. As counsel, and later as judge, he was involved in numerous high-profile trials, both in Britain and abroad. Among many cases as a QC, he prosecuted Peter Sutcliffe, the so-called ‘Yorkshire Ripper’. He successfully defended six officers of the Air Force of Zimbabwe at their trial in Harare, where they faced a charge of treasonable sabotage. As a judge, he presided over the trial of Colin Stagg (the alleged ‘Wimbledon Common murderer’), the trial arising from the Lyme Bay canoe tragedy and the trial for the first time in the United Kingdom of a doctor’s alleged involvement in euthanasia. Thoughtful and provocative, Sir Harry has advice for the aspiring young advocate, and invests this penetrating memoir with warmth, humour and understanding. His frank portrait of a lifetime in the criminal law offers unique perspectives on some of the most notorious cases of the twentieth century, as well as fascinating insights into a colourful professional life and the burdens and responsibilities that come with the privilege of high judicial office. Sir Harry Ognall's A Life of Crime is a best-selling autobiography that provides a rare glimpse into the life of judges and lawyers. This top-rated book is a compelling read that offers unique insights into some of the most high-profile legal cases of the twentieth century. For fans of Sarah Langford (In Your Defence), Nigel Lithman Qc (Nothing Like the Truth), Her Honour Wendy Joseph Qc (Unlawful Killings), The Secret Barrister (Nothing But The Truth), and Richard Henriques (From Crime to Crime).