The legal community has paid respects to a lawyer who as duty counsel made a name for himself over decades of defending people appearing before the island’s courts.

Peter Farge, 79, owner of the firm Peter J Farge & Associates, was remembered during a sitting of the Supreme Court.

Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe led a moment of silence in remembrance of Mr Farge, the husband of concert pianist and singer Jane Farge.

A familiar figure at plea court, Mr Farge was an advocate for the modernising of legal aid and spoke up for the treatment of defendants kept in cells at the old Hamilton Police Station.

Mr Justice Wolffe said that Mr Farge had been a stalwart servant of the court, noting that he had offered him a great deal of advice when he first became a lawyer.

He said: “He was always respectful of the court, whether it decided for or against him. He was a consummate gentleman.”

Mr Wolffe also highlighted that Mr Farge was once an accomplished runner who took part in many May 24 races.

He added: “Mr Farge left an indelible mark on our profession.”

Longstanding defence lawyer Charles Richardson told the court that Mr Farge’s athletic endeavours also extended to cricket, where he played for Cleveland County.

Meanwhile, Cindy Clarke, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said that Mr Farge was to her knowledge the only person to write to the Governor in support of her after she was passed over for the post.