Jeremy Storey QC has been sworn in as the new Judge of Appeal of the Isle of Man.
Mr Storey took the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Deemster during a ceremony at Government House. The Warrant of Appointment was presented by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
Mr Storey, a graduate of Cambridge University, has been a QC since 1994 and a Deputy High Court Judge in England and Wales since 2008. He brings a wealth of experience to the role of Judge of Appeal, having practised different aspects of commercial law at the English Bar for many years.
An Acting Deemster since 1999, Mr Storey has a good working knowledge of the Isle of Man’s Courts. He will serve as a judge of the High Court, presiding over the Appeals Division, and succeeds Geoffrey Tattersall QC who held the position of Judge of Appeal for 20 years.
Until now the Judge of Appeal has been a part time role. A review of the role determined that it should be a full time position, with additional responsibilities to include actively promoting and enhancing confidence in the Isle of Man and its judiciary, both locally and internationally.
His Honour First Deemster David Doyle, who administered the Oaths, said:
‘The swearing in of a full time, resident Judge of Appeal is an historic occasion for the Isle of Man. It will significantly bolster the rule of law in this jurisdiction. Jeremy Storey brings a wealth of experience, legal knowledge, skill and wisdom to the Island and I wish him all the very best in his new and exciting role as the Island’s Judge of Appeal.’
His Honour Judge of Appeal Storey commented:
‘It is an honour and privilege to be appointed the Island’s first full time Judge of Appeal. The Manx legal system seems to me to be in pretty good shape, due in no small part to the strength and high calibre of the Island’s well-resourced and respected legal profession and its existing, manifestly independent, full time judiciary.’
He added:
‘The support staff within the General Registry, ably led by Stephen Cregeen, have been very helpful, friendly, efficient and effective. This proud and unique Island has become a modern success story as a British Crown Dependency. Its standing in the international community is high and it is an active member of the Commonwealth. I look forward to working alongside all the Deemsters, the High Bailiff and the Deputy High Bailiff whom I shall support to the best of my ability.’
