Old Bailey judge says TV judges 'set the bar high' ahead of courts filming debut

A senior Old Bailey judge joked that the Strictly Come Dancing panel had "set the bar high" as he prepared to feature in a pilot scheme to televise the courts.

In a light-hearted speech, the Recorder of London, Nicholas Hilliard QC, cited the likes of Craig Revel-Horwood and Len Goodman as well as judges Judy and Rinder as TV trailblazers.

Judge Hilliard was speaking at the formal opening of the court session in Court One of the historic Old Bailey in the heart of the City of London.

He told the assembled judges and dignitaries that he and Common Serjeant Richard Marks QC would be taking part in the recently announced pilot scheme to film judges' sentencing remarks at Crown Courts.

He said: "This will not be easy and we recognise the challenge we face."

"Significant judicial figures will have led the way in televising proceedings", he said, including Goodman, Revel-Horwood, Judy and Rinder, who had "set the bar high".

He confirmed the product would not as yet be broadcast but advised against being quick to criticise "our efforts" if anyone was to see them.

Lawyers chuckled in court as he added: "Follow the advice: when tempted to criticise you first walk a few miles in the other person's shoes.

"If you make a criticism, you will be a few miles away and you will have of course the other person's shoes."