Jeremy Connor: A Distinguished Legal Career from Barrister to Circuit Judge
Jeremy Connor, who has died at the age of 87, was a respected figure in the British legal system, culminating his professional life as a circuit judge in London from 1996 to 2004. His journey began as a criminal law barrister, later transitioning to a stipendiary magistrate before ascending to the judiciary.
Early Life and Education
Born in Crowborough, East Sussex, Jeremy was the only child of Joseph, a builder, and Mabel (nee Adams), an artist. He attended Beaumont School in St Albans, Hertfordshire, before pursuing law at University College London. His legal training was completed at the Middle Temple, setting the stage for his entry into criminal law practice.
Professional Roles and Contributions
After working as a barrister until 1979, Jeremy was appointed as a stipendiary magistrate at Bow Street Magistrates Court in London. In 1980, he took on the chairmanship of the Inner London Youth Courts, an organisation dedicated to overseeing best practices and analysing sentencing data in youth courts. He further expanded his influence by being elected chair of the Inner London and City of London Probation Committee in 1989, a statutory body responsible for probation services.
For many years, Jeremy was an active member of the Institute for the Study of Treatment of Delinquency, now known as the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies. This involvement reflected his commitment to finding improved methods for dealing with young offenders through focused supervision and crime prevention initiatives.
Judicial Service and Later Life
In 1996, Jeremy relinquished his chairmanships to become a circuit judge, presiding over cases in crown and county courts across London. Concurrently, he served as a member of the Parole Board of England and Wales, contributing to critical decisions regarding the release of serious offenders on parole or life licence.
Upon retiring from the judiciary in 2004, Jeremy embarked on an academic pursuit, earning a PhD in theology from King's College London in 2011. Described as articulate, approachable, outgoing, and highly principled, he enjoyed a rich personal life that included watching opera, attending theatre performances, travelling, and writing.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jeremy is survived by his partner of 55 years, Peter Lantos, a renowned expert on neurodegenerative diseases who served as professor of neuropathology at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London. The couple entered into a legal partnership in 2006, marking a significant personal milestone.
His legacy endures through his contributions to the legal field, particularly in youth justice and probation services, leaving a lasting impact on the British judicial system.
