Sheffield Crown Court lawyers and staff to wish beloved court watcher final farewell
and live on Freeview channel 276
Andrew Mollison, aged 74, of Southey Green, Sheffield, died on November 10 to the sadness of those at Sheffield Crown Court where he had spent over 40 years as a member of the public watchng many cases from the public galleries.
More than a hundred well-wishers including court staff, solicitors, barristers and judges from down the years paid their respects in person and via video-links during a special eulogy at Sheffield Crown Court, on West Bar, on November 18.
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Hide AdAnd Bank House Chambers legal team, on Hartshead, Sheffield, developed such a close friendship with Mr Mollison they have helped fund funeral costs and arranged a drive-by ceremony for Mrs Mollison’s funeral on Tuesday, December 8, with a cortege to pass Sheffield Crown Court about 11am where mourners will be able to pay their last respects.
Social-distancing will be observed given the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions but the ceremony will provide many an opportunity to wish a fond farewell to a humble and seemingly ordinary man who had an extraordinary impact on the lives of so many at Sheffield Crown Court and further-a-field.
Judge Michael Murphy QC, formerly of Sheffield, laid claim to Mr Mollison having been the longest-serving court-watcher in the country with an estimated record of 42 years including the court’s old building on Castle Street.
Mr Mollison, who died from a coronary after testing positive for Covid-19, even followed judges to ceremonies and hearings in London including the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords.
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Hide AdHe captured the hearts and minds of people at Sheffield Crown Court with his kindness and humbling homespun philosophy as he developed a rapport and brought much warmth and light to an otherwise formal and serious environment.
Many recalled being treated to gifts as Mr Mollison developed particular bonds with Judge Peter Kelson QC, Judge Sarah Wright and Bank House Chambers and in particular the firm’s Senior Clerk Wayne Digby.
During the eulogy, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, The Recorder of Sheffield, said: "Andrew was an institution in this court. He was the ‘Senior Court Watcher’.”