The Bar Association has stated its public support for a lawyer likened to a slave owner by a judge.

Craig Attridge was criticised in his absence in the Supreme Court by Puisne Justice Carlisle Greaves, who told the public hearing "this is not his dressing room nor his plantation". He added he was not the lawyer's slave.

The remarks, on February 19, followed an earlier hearing when Mr. Attridge asked the judge to take him off a case due to his client's non-payment. The judge declined, and Mr. Attridge said he would seek a judicial review.

When the subject came up in court, Mr. Attridge was unavailable and so Charles Richardson, another lawyer from Juris Law Chambers, presented his request.

It was granted by Mr. Justice Greaves but he told Mr. Richardson "you can tell Mr. Attridge I'm tired of his rudeness".

He cited several occasions when he had been displeased by the way the defence lawyer had conducted himself in court.

The last time he had made a decision, said Mr. Justice Greaves, Mr. Attridge had referred to him as an "ass".

The judge said he was considering citing contempt of court or reporting the lawyer to the Bar Association because "abusive language toward the judge in the precincts of the court must be contempt of court".

Mr. Justice Greaves was yesterday sitting in the Supreme Court and was unavailable for comment.

At the Bar Association's annual meeting however, members expressed their support for Mr. Attridge over the remarks made in open court.

The meeting, on April 19, reiterated the importance of mutual respect between the Bar — the governing body for lawyers — and the judiciary.

In a statement the Bar Association said: "The Bar Council notes, for the benefit of the public, that it is often very difficult for the public to understand that those practising before Bermuda's Courts are not always in a position to respond publicly to criticisms of the Bar generally, or themselves personally, when those criticisms emanate from the Bench.

"This is in light of the ethical restrictions placed on advocates not to criticise or argue with a member of the judiciary.

"This was recently the case with Craig Attridge, a well respected member of the criminal bar, who was made the subject of personal comments and criticism in his absence.

"The Bar supports Mr. Attridge, and his silence in responding to these comments made in open court should not be understood by the public as being an acceptance of the truth of any of the matters asserted, but rather an indication of the respect he holds for the members of the judiciary and his position as an Officer of the Court.

"The Bar and the Judiciary of Bermuda have a long and proud history of working together for the benefit of Bermuda and this tradition will be maintained."

Mr. Attridge did not reply to The Royal Gazette's calls yesterday, making no comment on the matter.