Born in London, England, the subject's father, Reginald, was a notable figure in British broadcasting during World War II, serving as a BBC radio announcer under the pseudonym Michael Brooke. His mother, Beryl Riggs, was an accomplished actress, particularly renowned for her performances in productions based on the popular children's book series, Just William.
As a bilingual individual, the subject received his early education at the Lycée Français in London, before proceeding to Edinburgh University to pursue a degree in Law. He was subsequently called to the bar in November 1968 and went on to establish a distinguished and respected career as a Barrister. Later, he would serve as a Judge, earning a reputation for his expertise and integrity.
One of the subject's most significant achievements occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when he successfully obtained compensation for over 1000 hemophiliacs who had been treated with blood contaminated with HIV, and later for those infected with Hepatitis C, through his work with the National Health Service.
In his personal life, the subject was married twice, first to Sophie Vautier in 1972, with whom he had three sons: Nicholas, Anthony, and Benjamin. The couple divorced in 1985, and he later married Mireille Colahan. The subject was an avid enthusiast of various pursuits, including cycling, trains, and all things French.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the legal profession and his efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding, the French Government awarded the subject the prestigious Legion d'Honneur in 2012. This honor was bestowed upon him in recognition of his role in establishing the Paris-London Bar Exchange, a program that allowed lawyers to conduct mock trials in a foreign language.
