Yorkshire barrister becomes youngest ‘silk’

Richard Wright, a member of No6 Chambers in Leeds, is among 84 new “Silks” appointed by the Queen following consideration by an independent selection panel.

Also includes is another Yorkshire barrister – John Hayes of Zenith Chambers in Leeds.

Mr Wright was born in Ipswich but when he studied law at the University of Leeds he was returning to the county of his roots, his grandfather being a Featherstone miner.

At university he picked up the annual Hughes prize as an outstanding student.

He then completed a year at the Inns of Court receiving a Diplock scholarship before he was called to the Bar in 1998. Having joined No6 Chambers Mr Wright specialised in criminal law.

He was junior counsel in the prosecution of the Yorkshire Ripper hoaxer John Humble and of Peter Brown, who was convicted of the manslaughter of two young jockeys in a fire in Norton.

As “junior” of the North Eastern circuit in 2004 he was responsible for organising circuit events. Two years later he became a deputy district judge (magistrates) sitting on occasions at magistrates’ courts across the north.

He is married and was recently appointed a Recorder.

Mr Hayes, 44, originally from Sheffield, was called to the Bar in 1992 and specialises in family law, particularly child protection. He is married with four children.

QC panel chairman Helen Pitcher said: “The selection process is an exacting one.

“I am confident that those appointed truly deserve to be Queen’s Counsel.”