It follows the recent appointment of judges Rebecca Trowler QC, Simon Mayo QC and Alexia Durran
The image of Oxbridge-educated male judges dominating the courts has been toppled after the Old Bailey achieved gender parity for the first time.
An equal number of male and female full-time judges now sit at the historic criminal court in central London, including three mothers with school-age children.
Lead Old Bailey Judge Mark Lucraft QC said it was a “significant step in the right direction” but added more could be done on ethnic diversity.
The most recent appointees – judges Rebecca Trowler QC, Simon Mayo QC and Alexia Durran – bring a wide range of professional experience.
In 2012, Judge Wendy Joseph QC was the only full-time female judge sitting at the Old Bailey.
She had followed in the footsteps of Judge Nina Lowry – the first full-time female Old Bailey judge – and Judge Ann Goddard.
There are now seven female and seven male full-time judges, plus Judge John Hillen, who transferred following the closure of Blackfriars Crown Court.
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