The judges who hold his fate in their hands
IN a sign of its importance, the appeal is being presided over by Britain’s top judge, Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, and four high-ranking colleagues.
Seen above with Sgt Blackman on a video-link from prison yesterday, the judges are, from left:
MR JUSTICE OPENSHAW: The Harrow-educated judge, 70, has jailed numerous murderers, including date-rape serial killer Stephen Port.
LORD JUSTICE LEVESON: The third most senior judge in England and Wales, Sir Brian Leveson, 67, is the President of the Queen’s Bench Division. He is best known for his inquiry into Press standards. LORD THOMAS OF CWMGIEDD: The Lord Chief Justice, 69, heard Sgt Blackman’s application to be freed on bail, pending his appeal, just before Christmas. He did not grant bail but said it was important for the case to be heard soon.
He previously heard the Brexit case about whether the Government could trigger Article 50 without a Commons vote.
LADY JUSTICE HALLETT: The 67year-old daughter of a policeman was widely applauded for her compassionate handling of the inquests for the 52 innocent people killed in the London bombings of July 7, 2005.
MR JUSTICE SWEENEY: The 61year-old has presided over highprofile cases including Rolf Harris, former Cabinet minister Chris Huhne, and the killers of fusilier Lee Rigby.