Disappeared after court behaviour criticised

A DESPERATE search was yesterday under way for a missing high-profile judge who vanished early on Sunday morning.

Federal Circuit Court judge Guy Andrew left his home in Brisbane’s north and headed in the direction of Mount Coot-tha, where it’s understood he regularly takes morning walks.

The area became the scene of a search and rescue yesterday after Judge Andrew’s car was found at Dillon Road, The Gap, on Sunday afternoon.

“A ground search commenced yesterday in Mount Coot-tha and is continuing today with assistance from the SES,” police said in a statement. “Police and the man’s family hold concerns for his welfare.”

High-profile lawyer and former Queensland Law Society president Bill Potts said he hoped Judge Andrew would return to his family and friends soon.

“Notwithstanding anything else, it shows that judges are human beings,” he said.

“They face enormous pressure,

Judge Guy Andrew.

they work under extraordinary cumstances, public scrutiny sometimes criticism.

“It’s often said to be one of the loneliest jobs in the world.

“The legal profession, I’m sure, joins in wishing that he is well and hoping that he returns to be with his family and friends.”

Judge Andrew was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1989.

He has practised extensively with Legal Aid Queensland, including as acting counsel after being called to the Bar in 1998.

In 2001, Judge Andrew joined the cirand

An SES search at The Gap in Brisbane for Federal Circuit Court judge Guy Andrew. Picture: Richard Walker

private bar, where his practice largely focused on criminal and family law.

He was appointed as Townsville’s sole Federal Circuit Court judge in March last year.

In early September he was moved to Brisbane after being criticised for

his treatment of a Queen’s Counsel and solicitor in court during a parenting and property settlement case in Townsville.

The Full Court of the Family Court said Judge Andrew had abused the power of his position and displayed

apprehended bias towards the father’s lawyers.

Justice Andrew is described as caucasian and 176cm tall with grey hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police.