One of the city's most respected judges was bid farewell yesterday as he retired after more than 15 years on the bench. In a speech at the High Court, Chief Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang praised Mr Justice Michael Stuart-Moore, vice-president of the Court of Appeal, for his dedication and expert handling of jury trials before he became an appellate judge in 1997. 'His appointment added great strength and depth to our bench in its criminal jurisdiction,' Mr Justice Li said. 'As a judge presiding at jury trials, Mr Justice Stuart-Moore was without peer. His directions to the jury were a model. They were clear, balanced and fair.' Mr Justice Stuart-Moore, 65, said he and his fellow appellate judges tried to ensure that defendants received fair sentences that were in line with prison terms for similar crimes. 'There is nothing which gives rise to a greater sense of grievance amongst prisoners than sentence disparity,' he said in written remarks. Mr Justice Stuart-Moore was involved in a wide range of criminal cases, including the recent appeals of convicted murderer Nancy Kissel and former RTHK radio producer Chan King-chong in a case involving bogus expense forms. Mr Justice Stuart-Moore and his family plan to remain in the city.
