Colleagues from across the legal profession paid tribute to former Bristol solicitor advocate, latterly judge, who died suddenly earlier this week. Timothy Rose was described as a 'big man with a big heart' who will be sadly missed.
Judges, barristers, solicitors and court staff attended an emotional farewell, known as a valedictory, held at Exeter Crown Court this morning (Friday, February 3) before cases began. Judge Rose was one of three main judges presiding over criminal cases in Exeter from 2018 before moving to Taunton Crown Court just before Christmas, Devon Live reports.
His last appearance in Exeter was on Friday last week. The 65-year-old died on Monday, January 30, leaving colleagues across the Western Circuit in shock. He leaves his partner Helen and four sons.
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During his time in Exeter Judge Rose built a reputation as a compassionate but authoritative figure with a command of detail in complex cases, thoroughness, convivial manner and dry humour. Judge David Evans said many of his fondest memories of 'Tim' came at the end of a long working week when the pair would let off steam and talk about the cases and 'odder moments'.
"Tim's world view at work was it's a funny old world while at the same time being an inexhaustible source of interest and challenge." He said Judge Rose was well liked by all court staff, who appreciated his punctuality, and would never moan and groan about the cases.
"He would relate the day's ups and downs and would do so with a wry and gentle humour laced with much self-deprecation and real generosity of spirit to all. He was never pretentious and always considerate. He was a big man with a big heart and we will all be smaller for his loss."
As well as dangerous sex offenders, Judge Rose sentenced multiple burglars, drugs dealers, fraudsters and violent offenders since being appointed to the Western Circuit in April 2018. He had previously worked in Bristol and Wales as a deputy district judge and before that as a solicitor.
Several members of the public have left condolences on the Exeter Court Facebook page: One said: "He sat on a long case when I was in jury service. He was very good at explaining things to the jury in a clear and calm way and made you feel at ease.
"I have adopted his “The position is” saying in day to day life since being on the jury. Sincere condolences to his family at this sad time."
Judge Paul Cook, the resident judge at Taunton Crown Court, described Judge Rose as a towering physical presence but also 'gentle, unassuming and courteous'. Where others might flinch when confronted by complex evidence he was a 'demon with a spreadsheet' who revelled in the numerical detail.
Judge Rose was due to begin his permanent role in Taunton in February. Exeter's resident Judge Anna Richardson said he was 'so loved by everyone here' and the news of his death had left staff reeling.
Many people had confided to her that he was their 'favourite judge', she said, 'without a shred of superiority and decent through and through'. She recalled how he had mastered an 'impressive sigh' as a gentle rebuke to lawyers, his penchant for cake, and how his dry sense of humour made her laugh often.
"Tim's family was his world. He loved Helen and his sons more than anything and that love lives on. His Honour Judge Rose was loved and will be terribly missed."
A statement by the Western Circuit said: "It is with huge sadness that we have to inform all Members of Circuit of the sudden, unexpected death of HHJ Tim Rose on Monday 30th January 2023. "Many of you will have, over the years, worked alongside Tim when he was a well-respected solicitor advocate in Bristol, appeared before him when he sat as a DDJ, DJ and a recorder, and more recently when he sat as a full time judge predominantly in Exeter, and latterly in Taunton, Gloucester and Salisbury.
"Tim had just turned 65 and leaves behind his partner, Helen and four sons. Tim died of a brain haemorrhage. He did not suffer."
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