YOU usually have a vision that Crown Court judges are fairly stern, humourless characters but it seems that, like so many other professions, there is a bit of jestful rivalry between the dispensers of the law.

Controversial beak Judge Julian Hall hung up his wig and gown this week as the residing judge at Oxford Crown Court, but couldn’t resist a playful dig at the reputations of those still dishing out justice.

Clearly aware of Judge Christopher Compston’s apparent reluctance to send criminals to prison, and Judge Anthony King’s proclivity to do the exact opposite, Judge Hall said: “I’ve the greatest respect for Judge King, but I’ve heard a rumour – he passed a community order recently.

“And straight on the heels of that, I hear Judge Compston sent somebody to prison.”

Incidentally, The Insider understands Oxfordshire’s lawbreakers may not have completely seen the last of Judge Hall just yet.

He still has licence to return to court as a Deputy District Judge.

A FLEET-footed Jeremy Paxman was seen dashing from police in Oxford city centre on Sunday evening.

But not all is as it seems.

The Newsnight host’s taxi was pulled over for jumping a red light in Frideswide Square, just as the famously short-tempered Paxo had a train to catch.

The hapless cabbie was left to receive a stern telling off from officers while Paxman fled the scene and sprinted to the station.

THE leader of the city council’s Lib Dems suffered a senior moment this week when his memory, and his eyesight, appeared to abandon him.

Chairing a scrutiny meeting at the Town Hall, Stephen Brown motioned to let a fellow councillor speak, but had completely forgotten his name.

An embarrassed MrBrown stammered: “Your name has gone, councillor, councillor...”

He furrowed his brow and stared the anonymous member in the eye, but could not put a name to the familiar face. And he also failed to remember, or failed to see, that each councillor has a large name plate in front of them.

Had he glanced down he would have quickly realised the name on the tip of his tongue was that of Cowley councillor, and former Lord Mayor, Bryan Keen.