Graham Hyland: – [Heath 1966–1974]
Halifax-born judge Graham Hyland has died at the age of 59.
The eldest of four siblings, Graham, of Spinners Hollow, Ripponden, was the son of well known Halifax GP Keith Hyland.
Graham attended Heath Grammar School before reading law at Northumbria University, formerly Newcastle Polytechnic.
He was called to the Bar in 1979 and joined the former Chambers of His Honour Judge James Pickles in Bradford.
He later became Head of Chambers, a position he relinquished in 2012.
Graham was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1998, an Assistant Recorder of the Crown Court in 1992 and a full Recorder in 1996.
Since 1999 he had sat as a Legal Member of the Mental Health Review Tribunal. He was also elected a Bencher of the Inner Temple.
Graham was called upon to act in the most serious criminal cases, including homicide, sexual offences, drugs offences and serious fraud.
Graham has been recognised by the major legal directories as having considerable expertise and sat as a part-time President of the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
A keen sportsman, Graham represented Yorkshire and the North East at water polo and played cricket for King Cross.
He was a patron of the Arts, an active member of St Paul’s Church, King Cross and Vice-President of the Friendly Brass Band.
Graham leaves a wife, Jane, son Edward and daughter Lucy. The funeral took place at Halifax Minster at 1 on Monday 10 March 2014.