THE Liverpool-born judge leading an independent inquiry into the phone hacking scandal Lord Justice Brian Leveson is among “inspirational” figures to be honoured by Liverpool John Moores University.
Lord Justice Leveson, currently chairing the public review into the ethics and culture of the British media, is among a host of high profile names to receive Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) honorary fellowships during its graduation ceremonies in July.
Others to be made fellows – those who “exemplify LJMU's ethos to dream, plan and achieve” hail from a diverse range of sectors ranging from costume design to the world of football.
City-born Lord Justice Leveson, a former Liverpool College student, will receive his honorary fellowship “for his outstanding contribution to the legal profession”.
First called to the Bar in 1970 in 1986 became one of the youngest barristers ever to be appointed as a QC.
No stranger to being in the public eye, as a barrister he presented the case against serial killer Rose West, and prosecuted Ken Dodd for tax evasion.
In 2006, following his appointment as a Lord Justice of Appeal, he became senior presiding Judge for England and Wales and three years later was appointed chairman of the Sentencing Council, a position he still holds.
It is not the first time Sir Brian, who in 2010 presented the 95th Roscoe lecture in LJMU’s public lecture series, has been saluted by the city’s academia, having received an honorary degree from the University of Liverpool in 2007.
Others to receive LJMU honorary fellowships this year include reowned Royal Liverpool Philharmonic chief conductor Vasily Petrenko who will be honoured for his “outstanding contributions to Liverpool and the arts”.
The honour completes the treble for the man who started his music education at Russia’s St Petersburg Capella Boys music school having already being honoured in 2009 by both the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University.
Other recipients include Liverpool-born costume designer Jane Greenwood for her “outstanding contribution to the field of costume design and innovative work with the arts”.
The former Liverpool School of Art student has had 15 Toni award nominations and her CV includes Hamlet with Richard Burton, directed by John Gielgud in 1964 and Steven Sondheim’s musical Passion in 1994.
Other playwrights she has worked with include Tennessee Williams and Edward Albee and her films include Arthur starring Dudley Moore.
LJMU Vice Chancellor Professor Nigel Weatherill said: “Each of these individuals has achieved at the highest level in their professional lives and have done so with great integrity and passion.
“For our students, for our staff and for the wider community, it is fantastic that these inspirational individuals are joining the LJMU family and, as with all of our Fellows and extended community, we look forward to working with them after graduation.”
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