Robert Altham

John Robert Carr Altham, known as Robert Altham is an English judge who became notable when he sentenced three anti-fracking protestors to jail on 26 September 2018. This was the first time environmental activists had received jail sentences for protesting in the UK since 1932 when the mass trespass of Kinder Scout was organised in the Peak District.[1] The protesters appealed against the sentence after it came to light that Altham had family ties to the oil industry.[2]

Altham is a circuit judge in the Crown Court in Lancaster Castle. He is a descendant of James Altham, himself a judge who presided over the Lancashire witch trials. Altham was born in Morecambe and attended Sandylands Primary School, Morecombe and Lancaster Royal Grammar School before studying Latin and Greek at University College London. He then gained his law qualifications at Birmingham University and the Inns of Court School of Law. He was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn in 1993 and went on to join the chambers of David Steer QC in Liverpool. In 2008 he became a Recorder.[3]

Gordon Marsden, the MP for Blackpool South contacted the Attorney General, Geoffrey Cox to raise questions about Altham's handling of the 2018 fracking protest case, asking whether would "undertake an investigation into compliance with the Judicial Code of Conduct in relation to the trial".[4]

At an appeal hearing held on 17 October Lord Burnett, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales ruled that an "immediate custodial sentence in the case of these appellants was manifestly excessive". After saying that a community order imposing on them unpaid work would have been appropriate. However in light of the fact they had spent six weeks in prison, he reduced the sentence to a conditional discharge.[5]

Judicial Conduct Investigations Office spokesperson indicated they had received a complaint concerning Judge Robert Altham, which "will be considered in accordance with the Judicial Conduct Rules 2014". However, during the hearing Lord Burnett remarked that there was "no evidence" that the judge had any financial interest in fracking.[5]

J.C.Altham and co.

The company, J. C. Altham & co. offer to supply ships stores to ferries and cargo vessels as well as offshore oil and gas platforms.[6] The directors of the company are John and Linda Altham, Roberts parents, and his sister Jane Watson.[7] Jane Watson signed an Open Letter sent to Lancashire County Council on 8 January 2015 on behalf of J. C. Altham & Co. calling on the council to "grant permission for the development of two exploratory wells in Lancashire".[8] The letter was organised by the North West Energy Task Force, which is itself funded by Centrica and Cuadrilla Resources.[9]

References
  1. Perraudin, Frances (2018). "Blackpool activists jailed for anti-fracking protest". The Guardian (26 September 2018). Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  2. Gibb, Frances; Ames, Jonathan; Webster, Ben (2018). "Robert Altham: Judge with oil links sent fracking protesters to jail". The Times (12 October 2018).
  3. "Keeping it in the family". Lancaster Guardian (22 August 2012 Read more at: https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/keeping-it-in-the-family-1-4855426). 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  4. Gavell, Tim. "Jailed Fylde fracking protesters appeal is due in London" (Wednesday 17 October 2018). Retrieved 17 October 2018.
  5. "Fracking protesters freed on appeal" (17 October 2018). BBC News. 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
  6. "Home – Althams". Althams. J. C. Althams. 3 August 2018. Archived from the original on 3 August 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  7. "The Team – Althams". Althams. J. C. Altham. 12 August 2018. Archived from the original on 12 August 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  8. "Lancashire business leaders to local council: "Give shale a chance." – North West Energy Task Force". North West Energy Task Force. North West Energy Task Force. 16 June 2016. Archived from the original on 16 June 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  9. "ABOUT US – North West Energy Task Force". North West Energy Task Force. North West Energy Task Force. 9 June 2016. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2018.
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