North Wales' Resident Judge has been congratulated after reaching the conclusion of a "standout" career in law.
Mold Crown Court was packed on Friday morning with Judges, Barristers and court staff - as well as many more attending digitally via video link - to mark the Valedictory of Judge Rhys Rowlands.
Mr Justice Nicklin opened proceedings by explaining how Judge Rowlands and now-retired Judge Niclas Parry had worked for many years as a "formidable crime-fighting duo' in north Wales.
"This court and others have benefited enormously from his leadership," he continued.
"Always informed by a clear sense of what matters, north Wales has been fortunate indeed to have him."
Returning to Mold Crown Court for the occasion, Judge Niclas Parry paid tribute to his outgoing colleague - taking the chance to "return the favour" after Judge Rowlands did the same for him some 13 months ago.
"The wonderful thing about revenge," he joked, "is that's sweet but not fattening.
"Seriously, they say you don't truly appreciate the value of something until it becomes a memory.
"We have been truly lucky to have had someone that makes saying goodbye so difficult."
Judge Parry told the court his colleague is a "Bangor lad" who moved to Ruthin and was educated at Ysgol Brynhyfryd before going on to University College London.
He then went to Cardiff University and thereafter commenced his career in law, serving first as a solicitor and then joining the North Wales Prosecution Service (a precursor to the CPS).
He started practicing at the Bar in Chester before becoming a Recorder in 2000, then a Circuit Judge in 2010 and finally being appointed Resident Judge for north Wales in 2014.
The court was filled with laughter as Judge Parry reminded all present of his colleague's "more endearing quirks" - chief among them his humour, which was described as "quick, sharp and delivered with impeccable timing, but not always elevated in subject matter."
He explained: "His jokes have sometimes hovered dangerously close to the plumbing.
"Rhys' humour has always landed where it was intended - with laughter brought to courtrooms and dining rooms, often when we needed it most."
Judge Parry also cited Judge Rowlands' "unwavering loyalty to justice" and described him as a "proud Welshman" who was always anxious to sit and conduct his work in the Welsh language.
"He has always adhered to the principle of 'if it is not right, don't do it," he continued.
"Do what is right; not what is easy or popular."
Praise and thanks were also heaped upon Judge Rowlands' family for their support, particularly his wife Karen and daughters Ffion and Eleri.
Turning to Judge Rowlands, he concluded: "We, your colleagues Rhys, thank you for your comradeship.
"Congratulations on a standout career. You have touched lives and I hope you realise how big an impact you have had on us.
"Nothing but the best - that's what you gave us and that is what we all wish for you."
Owen Edwards KC spoke of Judge Rowlands' "brilliant stewardship" during his time as Resident Judge, describing him as "a joy to work with."
"One of the marks of a good Judge is that he runs his court like a happy ship," he said.
"Judge Rowlands, on any view, has steered us through choppy waters.
"Mold was one of the first courts to meaningfully reopen after the covid pandemic - thanks to the sterling efforts of Judge Rowlands and Judge Parry.
"A locally bred, locally educated Welsh speaker, Judge Rowlands has done us proud. He has deservedly risen to the top of his profession."
When the time came for Judge Rowlands himself to address the court, he immediately received laughter as he referred to his notes, reading: "I am flattered by My Lord and Judge Parry's tributes. I am truly... underwhelmed," before rereading the note and correcting himself to "overwhelmed."
He went on: "Whatever my thoughts are about giving up the wig, they are, I confess, somewhat mixed.
"I know I am going early, I know I've kept my looks... which can't be said of everyone."
The Judge said he was grateful to have received so many letters and cards marking the occasion, even quoting from one he believed to be a "spoof" sent from a resident of HMP Berwyn's Bala uppers, including: "We think you're a f****** t***, I 'ate' you. Your time is up you b******," to outbursts of laughter from the court.
Judge Rowlands remarked on how much the legal profession had evolved over the years.
"When I started practicing at the Bar in Chester," he said, "there wasn't a single female Judge on the circuit.
"Things have changed dramatically for the better."
Read more
He also remarked on how many fewer courts remain across north Wales, as well as how many fewer Recorders now sit - down from eight when he and Judge Parry sat as Recorders to just two at present.
He spoke also of fond memories of working in Cardiff and Swansea, in addition to north Wales, heaping praise on court staff, to whom he said: "You have humoured me, you have spoiled me rotten and I am going to miss you all," as well as fellow Judges, in particular Judge Parry, with whom he said he had "not had a cross word" during their entire legal and judicial partnership.
He added: "I didn't expect to see as many of you are as present. I'm deeply touched by it. I am honoured.
"I've enjoyed every minute of this job. Thank you all very much for today and for your assistance over the years."
Share