ONE of Burnley Crown Court's resident judges yesterday retired after a legal career spanning more than 40 years.

Judge David Pirie hung up his wig and robes after 15 years on the circuit bench. He is leaving behind involvement with law enforcement in East Lancs for the more leisurely pursuits of walking, birdwatching and fishing. However, he was not allowed to "go quietly" by staff, lawyers and colleagues.

The judge, who had wanted his last day to be without fuss, listened in Court One as tributes were paid to him -- in the manner he admitted he had sought to avoid.

The Honorary Recorder of Burnley, Judge Raymond Bennett, said Judge Pirie had sat at Burnley for most of the 15 years and would be greatly missed.

He said the judge was called to the Bar 42 years ago while still serving in the Army and was known for his courtesy and thorough preparation of cases.

The judge said on the bench Judge Pirie prepared cases with the same thoroughness and was well regarded by advocates who appeared in front of him. Defendants always found the judge fair.

Judge Bennett said he had always valued his colleague's common sense, Judge Pirie had always had a ready and patient ear and had been able to help him solve any problem.

On behalf of the Bar, senior member Michael Goldwater said the judge had always shown courtesy, tolerance and humanity and advocates were very grateful to him for the way he discharged his duties.

In reply, Judge Pirie told the court the last 15 years had passed very quickly indeed and he had enjoyed his time at Burnley. He said the staff had become his friends, had been a great help to him and that he had always received the greatest assistance from the barristers who appeared in Burnley.

Judge Pirie, who practised law in the Liverpool area, lives there with his wife Joyce. The couple have a son Christopher, 25.