Judges and friends honour beloved court-watcher during funeral procession at Sheffield Crown Court

Andrew Mollison, aged 74, of Southey Green, Sheffield, died on November 10 much to the sadness of those at Sheffield Crown Court where he had spent over 40 years watching cases from the public galleries.

The legal team at Bank House Chambers, on Hartshead, developed such a close friendship with Mr Mollison they helped to pay for funeral costs and arranged a drive-by ceremony for Mr Mollison’s funeral which took place today, with a cortege passing the Crown Court at about 11am.

Many mourners lined the street to pay their last respects.

Judges, barristers, solicitors, legal staff, clerks, ushers and security staff were all joined by numerous friends of Mr Mollison as they stood in remembrance after he had captured the hearts and minds of those at Sheffield Crown Court with his kindness and humbling homespun philosophy as he developed a rapport and brought much warmth and light.

Mr Mollison had previously been honoured with a eulogy at the Crown Court, on West Bar, on November 18 when over a hundred well-wishers including court staff, solicitors, barristers and judges from down the years paid tribute to him.

Mr Mollison, who died from a coronary after testing positive for Covid-19, had also followed judges to ceremonies and hearings in London, including proceedings at the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords.

Many recalled being treated to gifts as Mr Mollison developed special bonds with Judge Peter Kelson QC, Judge Sarah Wright and Bank House Chambers, in particular the firm’s senior clerk Wayne Digby.

The procession was met with a respectful silence as Judge Kelson, Judge Wright and Judge David Dixon stood at the roadside to wish Mr Mollison a dignified final farewell.

Judge Kelson previously said: “If everyone behaved towards each other as Andrew behaved to all those who knew him the world would be a better place.”

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