The honour acknowledges his exemplary contributions to the legal profession and his enduring connection to the local community.
Currently serving as the Vice-President of the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, Lord Justice Holroyde lived in the Ormskirk area for 40 years and was proud to be recognised by the University.
Speaking to graduands during their graduation ceremony, Lord Justice Holroyde said:
“Lancashire is home for me and it’s a real source of pride to me to become an honorary doctor of Edge Hill University, my local university. The University has provided opportunities for everyone, including those for whom going to university may not always have seemed the obvious course. To those of you who’ve done all that while maintaining a job or a family or both, I take my hat off to you.”
Lord Justice Holroyde has had an extensive legal career spanning several decades. Educated at Oxford, he qualified as a barrister in 1977 and spent nearly 30 years practising law in Liverpool and on the Northern Circuit.
He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1996, during which time he prosecuted and defended in numerous high-profile criminal cases.
He was leading counsel for the prosecution in the trial relating to the deaths of more than 20 Chinese cockle pickers caught by the incoming tide and drowned in Morecambe Bay in 2004.
As a judge of the Court of Appeal, Lord Justice Holroyde has heard the appeals of those prosecuted and convicted based on evidence arising from the Post Office Horizon scandal.
His work on the Sentencing Council, for which he ultimately served as Chairman, has been instrumental in shaping sentencing guidelines across England and Wales.
Lord Justice Holroyde received the honorary doctorate during a ceremony attended by staff, students and their supporters celebrating the achievements of hundreds of Edge Hill graduates. Afterwards, students met with Lord Justice Holroyde for a Q&A and tour of campus facilities.
Abbie Worden, LLB Law graduate, said:
“With everything that Tim’s done and everything that he’s achieved in his life, to be able to actually be part of such a big moment for him was really special. For us to collect our degrees at the same time that he was awarded his honorary doctorate, and then to have the opportunity to speak with him, was an honour.”
Vice-Chancellor Dr John Cater said:
“We are delighted to honour Lord Justice Holroyde in this way. His distinguished career and unwavering commitment to justice have had a profound impact on the legal profession. Moreover, his strong ties to our community make this recognition even more special.”
Edge Hill’s Academic Board awards honorary degrees in recognition of the highest levels of personal achievement in academic, professional or public life.
The other 2024 recipients are:
- Chris Kirkland, former professional goalkeeper, a Liverpool FC player and winner of an England cap;
- Dame Louise Ellman, former Leader of Lancashire County Council and former Member of Parliament for Liverpool Riverside;
- The Lord Shuttleworth (Charles) KG KCVO, who served as Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire until 2023, and Lady Ann Shuttleworth, who was High Sheriff of Lancashire in 1999;
- Steve Igoe, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University who recently retired after 28 years service.
Previous recipients include BBC journalist Clive Myrie, comedian Michael Pennington, better known as Johnny Vegas, actor David Morrissey, screenwriter and playwright Heidi Thomas, and Wally Brown CBE, ex-college Principal and community leader in Liverpool.
July 17, 2024
