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John Anthony Roberts

(1928-2016), Recorder of the Crown Court

Sitter in 1 portrait
First person of African descent to be made QC and first Recorder of the Crown Court in England and Wales. Born in Sierra Leone to a Brazilian father and a mother who was a descendent of liberated slaves who returned to Africa after the ending of the slave trade. He came to the UK in 1952 to join the RAF, where he first qualified as an accountant. Later, he was selected for aircrew duties. He remained in the RAF until 1962, serving in Europe, the Near East, the Far East and the South Pacific. After working for Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Service, he returned to the UK with his wife in 1964 working as a Civil Servant in the UK between 1964-1969. He started reading law and set up Chambers at Stone Buildings, Lincoln's Inn ensuring from the start that his Chambers were ethnically diverse.

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John Anthony Roberts

by Donald MacLellan
toned bromide print, 28 January 1997
NPG x88743

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John Anthony Roberts

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