Tribute to former Lord Chief Justice Sir Brian Kerr who has died

Sir Brian, who took the title of Baron Kerr of Tonaghmore when he was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009, had recently retired from his role with the highest court in the UK.

Current chief justice Sir Declan Morgan QC paid tribute to Sir Brian for his “enormous contribution” to the work of courts in both Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole.

“I am very saddened to hear of the untimely death of Brian Kerr,” he said.

“Only recently the UKSC [Supreme Court] delivered a judgment on coroners’ findings in which he was a dissenting judge.

“It is very unfortunate that he did not get time to enjoy his retirement after his long career in the law and public service on the Bench.

“He made an enormous contribution to the work of the courts both in this jurisdiction and in to the UK Supreme Court.”

Sir Declan added: “He was a friend of the Bench and of the profession who will be sorely missed. Our sympathies are with Gillian, his sons and their families.”