By Neil Rose


A Yorkshire criminal law specialist has laid claim to being the first solicitor-advocate to wear a wig in court after appearing at 10am last Wednesday at Doncaster Crown Court.



Ged Hale of Doncaster firm GV Hale & Co appeared on a section 51 preliminary hearing of a kidnap case before Her Honour Judge Davies.



Mr Hale, who supports the preservation of formal court dress, especially in the criminal courts, told the Gazette: 'Wearing a wig for the first time was a particularly useful experience on a freezing-cold winter's day and because my hair is finally beginning to recede after many years of dealing with the bureaucracy that has now become so irritatingly commonplace for solicitor defence-advocates.'



He purchased his wig from Model Wigs in Kent but had to cancel his order for a barrister's gown when it was announced that the solicitor 'stuff' gown was to be kept. 'At least there will be no more notes to the judge from the jurors asking why one of the advocates is unwigged,' he added.



Down the road at Sheffield Crown Court, Shawn Williams and Justin Hugheston-Roberts, both partners at Rose, Williams & Partners, appeared wearing their wigs at 10.30am. Mr Williams reported that his wig was 'itchy and scratchy'. Graham Wallis of Gloucester firm Wallis Solicitors was another to wear his wig on the first day of the new practice direction.



Meanwhile, the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed that it will not pay for its solicitor-advocates to have wigs, but they can buy them at their own expense if they wish.