Retired judge says he needs to work out of necessity

Retired Central Criminal Court judge, Barry White, says a demand for further disclosure of his financial affairs, in advance of his High Court challenge to a rule preventing him from returning to practice as a barrister, is “an unsavoury fishing exercise”.

The 71-year-old’s action is over a Bar Council rule that prevents him practising in a court equal to, or lower than, the one he presided over; in this instance all courts below the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Mr White claims he needs to return to work as a barrister due to financial necessity, and because his pension entitlements were insufficient to meet the needs of his family. The case is due to be heard in July.