A new judge says his appointment to the Bradford Bench is “perfect” and has pledged to end his career in the city.

Judge David Hatton QC, who has 36 years’ experience as a barrister, was appointed as a full-time judge at Bradford Crown Court last month.

The 59-year-old father-of-two, who lives in the Bradford area, said if he could have chosen where to be based, it would have been Bradford.

He said: “It was perfect. I feel Bradford is a place I know and where I have spent a good deal of time, professionally and as a resident. It is a privilege to serve the community of which I am a part.”

Judge Hatton was called to the Bar in 1976 and was based in chambers in Leeds, specialising in homicide, fraud and cases involving sexual abuse and medical and mental health issues.

He was made Queen’s Counsel in 1996 and has worked as a part-time judge, as Assistant Recorder and then Recorder, since 1990.

He has been involved in many high profile cases, including successfully prosecuting two brothers for the murder of Shoaib Khan in Highfield Place, Manningham – the first murder case when a witness was allowed to give evidence anonymously.

Judge Hatton said he felt ready for a new challenge.

He said: “I thought that I had experience and knowledge to bring to the Bench, which was a natural progression of my career.”

He said he would like to be seen as a “people’s judge.”

“I would like to think I am regarded as human and in touch with reality and what is going on – an ordinary bloke who speaks the same language as everybody else.”

Judge Hatton said there was a “fantastic” team working at Bradford Crown Court, adding: “I would like to stay here for the remainder of my career.”