A LIVING legend of the Merseyside law scene is to be honoured by Liverpool’s Lord Mayor this week.
Colonel James “Paddy” Bryson, 96, is to be made a Citizen of Honour of the City on Friday.
The former Senior District Registrar of the High Court of Justice and past president of Liverpool Law Society has enjoyed a career in public service spanning seven decades.
Most famously, he was shot at in 1960 while sitting as a judge in the Bankruptcy Court, held at the time in the India Buildings.
Two of his staff were seriously injured but three bullets fired from close range at Col Bryson failed to hit their target. Another bullet whizzed past his head and struck a photograph hanging behind him.
He helped tackle the gunman himself and was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.
When he retired 30 years ago, the then Lord Mayor, Cllr Ruth Dean, threw him a celebratory dinner.
Now living in Formby, he said: “I’ve had lots of thanks from Lord Mayors in the past, but never this, it’s a new one on me. I’ve been a great supporter of the city of Liverpool in so many ways.
“After 96 years of a full life and still busy, I take each day as it comes.
“It seems another great honour may lie nearer to home.”
