Ayesha Smart, a 34-year-old barrister from Yorkshire, has become the youngest Black and minority ethnic Crown Court judge. After a rigorous selection
Ayesha Smart, a 34-year-old barrister from Yorkshire, has become the youngest Black and minority ethnic Crown Court judge. After a rigorous selection process, she has been appointed as a recorder in Crown Courts across North East England. Smart expressed pride in her achievement and the positive message it sends about diversity and equality. She hopes her appointment will inspire people from all backgrounds to pursue a judicial career and challenge the perception that judges need to be senior or come from privileged backgrounds. Smart’s new role will involve sitting for a minimum of 30 days a year. She believes that increasing diversity in the judiciary is crucial to reflect the community and modern society.
