November 6, 2023
The King has appointed Richard Kelly to be a Circuit Judge on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, the Right Honourable Alex Chalk KC MP and the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, the Right Honourable The Lord Burnett of Maldon.
The Lord Chief Justice has deployed him to the South Eastern Circuit, based at Ipswich Crown Court with effect from 13 November, 2023.
Richard was called to the Bar (Gray’s Inn) in 1994. Early years of practice included work in civil litigation, family law and employment law which developed over time into a practice specialising in the prosecution and defence of serious sexual offences and complex, high profile, multi-handed Murder & Manslaughter, Serious Violence and Drugs Offences cases.
He was appointed as a Recorder in 2019.
Richard Kelly will be known as His Honour Judge Richard Kelly. For more info please see: [Courts and Tribunals Judiciary ]
Joint Heads of Chambers Gillian Jones KC and Tom Forster KC said:
“On behalf of Chambers, we offer our warmest congratulations to Richard on his appointment as Circuit Judge to the South Eastern Circuit. We wish Richard every success in the next stage of his career.”
Since 2005, RLC has seen 13 Crown Court and High Court Judge appointments. Additionally, 5 members have chaired the CBA, have been the Chief Coroner of England and Wales, the present Recorder of London, Director of RCPO and the SFO, General counsel to the SFO and the former Director of Public Prosecutions.