August 7, 2026
Richard Sutton KC retires
After 58 years of distinguished practice at the Bar, Richard Sutton KC has retired from the Bar, bringing to a close an outstanding career as a criminal silk and formidable advocate.
Richard has been a much-valued member of Red Lion Chambers, renowned for his robust, fair-minded and unflappable advocacy, as well as his generosity and commitment to developing the next generation of barristers. Generations of pupils have benefited from his wisdom, guidance and famously sharp eye for advocacy, while his talent for identifying and nurturing emerging talent has made a lasting contribution to Chambers.
As Stephen Rose KC recalls of appearing alongside Richard in the 2018 ‘Colchester Fake Para’ murder trial, Richard was “robust, fair-minded, patient, unflappable and gracious” throughout a bruising and sensitive case. These qualities came to define his approach at the Bar.
Away from the courtroom, Richard is also an accomplished guitarist and performs with his band, “The Dodgy Briefs”. Retirement will now give him more time to pursue another passion: writing. Richard is turning his attention to an historical novel, which he says “helps to pass the time”.
We would like to thank Richard for everything he has given to Chambers, the Bar and the many colleagues and pupils fortunate enough to have worked alongside him.
We wish Richard every happiness in his retirement.
Read tribute here: https://redlionchambers.co.uk/rlc-blog-richard-sutton-kc-retires/