James Brooks has been named as the island’s second Deputy High Bailiff in a ceremony at Government House.

Mr Brooks’s appointment is the first time in nearly 20 years that the island’s permanent judiciary has been expanded as he joins Christopher Arrowsmith in the Deputy role with Jayne Hughes as High Bailiff.

In welcoming Mr Brooks to his new role, the First Deemster Andrew Corlett noted the importance of the appointment.

Mr Corlett stated: ’This is a significant day as it represents the first time in nearly 20 years that the size of the Isle of Man’s permanent judiciary has been expanded, an expansion which reflects the significant increase in both the volume and complexity of legal proceedings during that time’.

Prior to his appointment to the island’s permanent judiciary, Mr Brooks was the legal advisor to the magistrates.

Before moving to the Isle of Man to take up that role in early 2019, Mr Brooks was the head of the courts and tribunals service in the Falkland Islands, a position he assumed after more than a decade as a legal advisor to magistrates primarily in the north of England.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Brooks stated: ’I am delighted to have been appointed as a Deputy High Bailiff and very much look forward to continuing my work in the summary courts at this important time’.

Mr Brooks appointment was one of Sir Richard Gozney’s last official engagements as the island’s Lieutenant Governor before his term ended at the start of this month. Sir John Lorimer will be sworn in as the new Governor on September 29.