High Bailiff John Needham has been appointed as Her Majesty’s Second Deemster in the Isle of Man.

He becomes the Island’s third most senior judge.

Mr Needham has served as the Island’s High Bailiff since 2010, having previously been appointed as Clerk to the Justices in the Isle of Man in 1999.

Prior to this he had worked for five years as a solicitor dealing with both civil and criminal litigation in London.

He will succeed Deemster Andrew Corlett who was appointed as Her Majesty’s First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls in September 2018.

The appointment is made by Her Majesty The Queen, based on a recommendation made by a local selection panel, following an open recruitment process.

Lieutenant Governor Richard Gozney says: "I welcome The Queen’s appointment of High Bailiff Needham as Second Deemster to succeed His Honour Andrew Corlett. The High Bailiff is well respected."