A judge...

Judge David Wynn Morgan asked why solicitor-advocate Alan Blacker, who was appearing under what he describes as his hereditary aristocratic title of Lord Harley of Counsel, was wearing colourful ribbons and badges on his gown.

Lord Harley explained that he had earned the ribbons for voluntarily medical service with the St John Ambulance. To which the judge replied: "Here in South Wales, we had a barrister, who later became a judge, who, during the Battle of Normandy, was awarded the highest order of gallantry, the Victoria Cross. Did you ever see him wearing that medal? No. He would have considered it the height of vulgarity."

He continued: "I did not raise any of these matters before this court during the trial because I am mindful of the fact that a young man has died and I did not want to interfere with the dignity of the proceedings, but if you ever appear looking like something out of Harry Potter, you can forget coming before this court ever again."