Judge Statman retires from Maidstone Crown Court after 50 years. His work led to “Tony’s Law” for child cruelty.
Judge Statman retires from Maidstone Crown Court after 50 years. His work led to “Tony’s Law” for child cruelty.
Judge Philip Statman Retires After Decades of Service in Maidstone
The judge was 71. He became a barrister in 1975, handling serious cases as a lawyer. In 2002, he became a judge, first serving at Woolwich Crown Court, and then moved to Maidstone twenty years ago.
In 2018, he gave a long sentence for child harm, which led to “Tony’s Law”. Tony Hudgell, who inspired the law, was abused by his parents at just six weeks old. The new law increased penalties.
It raised the maximum sentence to 14 years, and life imprisonment became possible for child deaths. Tony, now 10, attended the judge’s farewell with his adoptive mom, Paula.
Prejudice fueled Judge Statman’s law career. He knew right from wrong early on. At age eight, he faced antisemitism, an experience that motivated him greatly.
Someone called him a “dirty Jew boy”. This incident motivated him to become a lawyer. He grew up with love and security. He attended Westcliff-on-Sea High School and then graduated from Mid Essex Technical College.
He moved to London for his career. He learned law from Rock Tansey KC and worked during the Miners’ Strike. Later, he encountered Elizabeth Hurley in court.
He defended a girl accused of robbing her. He spoke of their different lives, stressing equality before the law. Fairness defined his work as a judge.
A clerk said he cared about people and wanted them to improve. “Tony’s Law” was not his only contribution. He helped change the legal system before.
In 1986, he defended someone in a rape trial. The sentences caused public outrage when the burglary conviction got more time than the rape. This led to sentence reviews, and media rules changed on victim ID, too.
Judge Julian Smith praised his work, saying Judge Statman changed the law both as a barrister and a judge. Tony Hudgell is important to him.
Judge Smith said he inspired a longer sentence and desired to be part of that change. Still, Judge Statman is humble. He doesn’t boast of his achievements.
Judge Smith wished him well in retirement. He plans trips to Australia, Korea, and Japan. He has earned this freedom to travel and has many things he can now do.
Others paid tribute, including Jeremy Dein KC and Philip St.John-Stevens. Danny Moore spoke for the Kent Bar Mess. Mr. Dein praised Judge Statman.
He called him one of the finest judges and a nice guy. He deeply cared about justice. Everyone respected his legal work.
Judge St.John-Stevens and Mr. Moore praised him, giving him football-themed praise. One called him the “GOAT,” and the other said he was “one of our own.”
Judge Statman used compassion in law. It shined through despite his robes. Mr. Moore recalled a sausage roll incident and remembered his Covid trial handling.
“This remains the best job,” Mr. Moore noted, “But it is not the job I came to.” He also praised Judge Statman’s kindness, saying he was more than just a judge.
His sons watched his farewell. His late wife influenced his move to Maidstone, making it closer to home and family duties. He thanked everyone in his court life.
He quoted Bob Dylan on retirement: “The times they are a-changin’.” He said, get out if you cannot help. He noted delays hurt everyone and suggested retired judges help pro bono.
“We need more judges,” he stated clearly. “We need more criminal barristers. We need more sitting days.” He called to consider grieving families, saying these families face delays so painfully.
Delays are a heavy burden. The current problems aren’t from the Bar or Bench. Workloads are high across courts. He saw 100 cases in 10 days, many with mental health issues.
“Age takes its toll,” he admitted. “I did not come here for admin.” Judges should not do case progression work. Admin takes away from judging fairly.
He thanked all jurors in his courtroom. “Jury trial is the jewel in the crown.” Judge-led trials replacing juries would be harmful. Rights took centuries to earn.
“Let justice be done in the courtroom.” All involved need to be fully present. Then justice meets a golden global standard.
Of his achievements, he said he needs to walk. He hopes to walk Southend Pier with his sons. His love for them is very deep. It is beyond their knowledge.
At the pier’s end, he may look back. He may finally admire the view. His speech got huge applause. It was a fitting end for a judge. He truly made a difference.
The judge was 71. He became a barrister in 1975, handling serious cases as a lawyer. In 2002, he became a judge, first serving at Woolwich Crown Court, and then moved to Maidstone twenty years ago.
In 2018, he gave a long sentence for child harm, which led to “Tony’s Law”. Tony Hudgell, who inspired the law, was abused by his parents at just six weeks old. The new law increased penalties.
It raised the maximum sentence to 14 years, and life imprisonment became possible for child deaths. Tony, now 10, attended the judge’s farewell with his adoptive mom, Paula.
Prejudice fueled Judge Statman’s law career. He knew right from wrong early on. At age eight, he faced antisemitism, an experience that motivated him greatly.
Someone called him a “dirty Jew boy”. This incident motivated him to become a lawyer. He grew up with love and security. He attended Westcliff-on-Sea High School and then graduated from Mid Essex Technical College.
He moved to London for his career. He learned law from Rock Tansey KC and worked during the Miners’ Strike. Later, he encountered Elizabeth Hurley in court.
He defended a girl accused of robbing her. He spoke of their different lives, stressing equality before the law. Fairness defined his work as a judge.
A clerk said he cared about people and wanted them to improve. “Tony’s Law” was not his only contribution. He helped change the legal system before.
In 1986, he defended someone in a rape trial. The sentences caused public outrage when the burglary conviction got more time than the rape. This led to sentence reviews, and media rules changed on victim ID, too.
Judge Julian Smith praised his work, saying Judge Statman changed the law both as a barrister and a judge. Tony Hudgell is important to him.
Judge Smith said he inspired a longer sentence and desired to be part of that change. Still, Judge Statman is humble. He doesn’t boast of his achievements.
Judge Smith wished him well in retirement. He plans trips to Australia, Korea, and Japan. He has earned this freedom to travel and has many things he can now do.
Others paid tribute, including Jeremy Dein KC and Philip St.John-Stevens. Danny Moore spoke for the Kent Bar Mess. Mr. Dein praised Judge Statman.
He called him one of the finest judges and a nice guy. He deeply cared about justice. Everyone respected his legal work.
Judge St.John-Stevens and Mr. Moore praised him, giving him football-themed praise. One called him the “GOAT,” and the other said he was “one of our own.”
Judge Statman used compassion in law. It shined through despite his robes. Mr. Moore recalled a sausage roll incident and remembered his Covid trial handling.
“This remains the best job,” Mr. Moore noted, “But it is not the job I came to.” He also praised Judge Statman’s kindness, saying he was more than just a judge.
His sons watched his farewell. His late wife influenced his move to Maidstone, making it closer to home and family duties. He thanked everyone in his court life.
He quoted Bob Dylan on retirement: “The times they are a-changin’.” He said, get out if you cannot help. He noted delays hurt everyone and suggested retired judges help pro bono.
“We need more judges,” he stated clearly. “We need more criminal barristers. We need more sitting days.” He called to consider grieving families, saying these families face delays so painfully.
Delays are a heavy burden. The current problems aren’t from the Bar or Bench. Workloads are high across courts. He saw 100 cases in 10 days, many with mental health issues.
“Age takes its toll,” he admitted. “I did not come here for admin.” Judges should not do case progression work. Admin takes away from judging fairly.
He thanked all jurors in his courtroom. “Jury trial is the jewel in the crown.” Judge-led trials replacing juries would be harmful. Rights took centuries to earn.
“Let justice be done in the courtroom.” All involved need to be fully present. Then justice meets a golden global standard.
Of his achievements, he said he needs to walk. He hopes to walk Southend Pier with his sons. His love for them is very deep. It is beyond their knowledge.
At the pier’s end, he may look back. He may finally admire the view. His speech got huge applause. It was a fitting end for a judge. He truly made a difference.