A Fermanagh judge has described it as one of the “biggest honours of my life” to have started his judicial career in the county.

Steven Keown, originally from Garrison, was appointed Resident Judge at Enniskillen Magistrates Court in December, 2018, but from Monday, January 16, he has taken over the role of Presiding District Judge (Magistrates Court) for Northern Ireland.

Wednesday’s sitting in Enniskillen was Judge Keown’s final day in Fermanagh, as the Presiding District Judge has to sit in Belfast.

Speaking about his time in Enniskillen, Judge Keown said: “As a proud Garrison man, starting my judicial career as the Resident Judge in Fermanagh was one of the biggest honours of my life.

“A highlight was when my mother and father came to see me in court – a memory I will always cherish, especially as my father passed away last year.

“He loved the fact that I was a judge, and especially that I was in Fermanagh, and always shouted ‘All rise’ when I came into the house in Glen!”

Looking ahead to his new role, Judge Keown will provide leadership for the judiciary at the Magistrates’ Courts tier.

He will also act as a representative and ambassador concerning various external bodies and equivalent judicial tiers in other jurisdictions.

“I am closely involved in all matters relating to Magistrates’ Courts business and share responsibility with the Lady Chief Justice for the efficient management of that business, as well as ensuring cases are disposed of fairly and justly,” explained Judge Keown.

“I will sit on several committees and represent the judiciary at various functions.

“I will also participate in the appointment process to recruit new District Judges to the Magistrates’ Courts, and be responsible for the induction and mentoring of new appointees.”

But while a new chapter begins, Judge Keown will have fond memories of Enniskillen, and he was full of praise for those he came into contact with in his four years in Fermanagh, where he thought he would be for much longer.

“It is going to be so difficult leaving Enniskillen.

“The people of Fermanagh are the best – and I am not biased – and the court staff and practitioners are simply fantastic.

“The Presiding District Judge must sit in Belfast, so I must move on. I always expected to be the resident judge in Fermanagh for much longer, but the opportunity to become Presider is a huge privilege, and I look forward to the challenge of the role as the next chapter of my life begins,” he added.

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