Doctor “humbled” to become newest Jurat

Thursday 25 April 2019

A retired GP, charity worker and former foster parent has become the latest addition to the “ancient and honourable office” of Jurat.

Dr Gareth Hughes was supported by his wife Julie, four children Owen, Anna, Susie and Oliver, alongside other members of his family, as he was elected in the Royal Court this morning.

At the swearing-in ceremony, it was heard that Dr Hughes was proposed for the role by Treasury Minister Susie Pinel. This nomination was seconded by Carey Olsen partner Advocate Marcus Pallot.

Once the election paper was formally handed down from the Bailiff Sir William Bailhache, Dr Hughes was invited into the Court. Attorney General Robert MacRae then gave a speech in which he gave his “warmest congratulations” to the new elect and his family. 

Pictured: Jurat Hughes surrounded by his family who came to support him at his swearing-in this morning.

The Attorney General then regaled the Court with the story of an “independently minded” Jurat who lived some 300 years ago called Jurat Pipon, who became embroiled in “a 14-year dispute with his cousin over tides, ending in a sword fight” and “fell out with the Bailiff of the time”. This conflict which culminated in a hearing at the Privy Council – the highest Court in the land – which found “largely in favour of Jurat Pipon.” 

Having told of the historic figure's misadventures, the Attorney General then addressed Dr Hughes, observing that Jurat Pipon was “also from St Brelade, like yourself!”

Dr Hughes then took the oath of office in order to formally assume his new role before the Bailiff, Lieutenant Governor Sir Stephen Dalton, and Deputy Bailiff Tim Le Cocq. 

Pictured: Jurats are a crucial part of Jersey's judicial system.

Also gathered in the Court were Dr Hughes’ new colleagues - Jurats Averty, Dulake, Christensen, Pitman, Thomas, Crill, Olsen, Blampied and Ramsden – as well as a number of retired Jurats and Royal Court Commissioners Sir Michael Birt and Julian Clyde-Smith. 

Numerous Advocates also sat in Court to witness Dr Hughes being sworn in.

The Bailiff then extended his own congratulations to Dr Hughes, remarking that the new Jurat’s family had been “smiling like nothing on Earth” throughout the proceedings.

Dr Hughes takes over from another former GP Sally Sparrow, who was commended greatly for her years of service as a Jurat.

The Bailiff described Dr Sparrow as a “much loved and respected colleague”, warning the new elect that “she will be a hard act to follow”, but adding that Dr Hughes is “admirably placed” to do so.

Pictured: Jurat Hughes shortly after he was elected in the Royal Court today.

The Court heard of Dr Hughes’ many years of charity work with the St. John’s Ambulance as well as his and wife’s choice to become foster parents in addition to raising four of their own children and his expertise in psychosexual medicine. 

The grandfather of five, now wearing his robes and having assumed his place on the bench, then rose to address the Court. He described his election as a “great honour” and said that he was “humbled.” 

Having wished Dr Sparrow a “happy and healthy retirement", the new Jurat paid special tribute to his wife Julie, whom he said had been “a great support” throughout their marriage.

Dr Hughes also spoke of how he came to make his home in Jersey after moving in 1986 - a choice he said had "never disappointed" either himself or his wife, and had left him with "a responsibility to give something back.”