It is with 'mixed feelings' that the most senior judge in Manchester, David Stockdale QC, is hanging up his robes.
He admits his retirement, pencilled in months ago, has come at a bad time as the coronavirus crisis deepens.
But in an interview with the Manchester Evening News , Judge Stockdale, 68, fondly looked back at a legal career spanning more than 40 years - a career that culminated in him taking up one of the most senior roles in the judiciary.
"I shall miss the work, and I will miss the people," he says from his chambers in the bowels of Manchester Crown Court in Spinningfields, an area which has changed so much since he started out in 1976.
"I will miss the other judges and the staff.
"It's a bad time to be going, at a time when public institutions like this are under strain through the coronavirus.
"We have to try to get the job done."
As Manchester's Honorary Recorder and Resident Judge, Judge Stockdale has presided over some of the city's most serious criminal cases - including scores of murder and terror cases.
His last trial ended in him handing 22-year-old Chervon Pinnock a life sentence for the murder of Sait M'Boob in Moss Side.
Other defendants to be dealt with by Judge Stockdale include Mark Buckley, who killed 18-year-old student Ellen Higginbottom in a sexually-motivated murder in Wigan; and Dorian Graham, who stabbed to death a young dad in a city centre club.
The judge said he is able to keep the emotion of cases to one side, but the importance of what is at stake is always evident.
"You do have to think hard about very difficult decisions - and try to get them right," he said.
"You obviously want to achieve fairness and justice."
A career in the law was not written in the stars.
After growing up in North Yorkshire near Skipton, he studied classics at Oxford University.
Initially unsure about which career path to follow, he soon realised law was the right option.
"The moment I opened my very first law book, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do," Judge Stockdale said.
"I loved it from the moment I started."
After gaining his qualifications in London, he returned north and headed to Manchester.
Needless to say, much has changed in the city over that period.
"You could not get a meal out in 1976, unless you went to a hotel," Judge Stockdale said.
"I think there were about two restaurants in the city centre.
"The place has changed beyond all recognition.
"I do lament the loss of some fine Victorian buildings that have been demolished.
"I do wonder whether the city has got every development decision right.
"But I think it's wonderful to see the boom in buildings, and employment and in industry in Manchester."
One thing that has remained the same is court five at Manchester Crown Court, where Judge Stockdale usually sat.
He began to specialise in civil law, especially personal injury and medical negligence, before 'taking silk' and becoming a QC in 1995.
In 2010, he was made a judge, presiding over both civil and criminal cases.
And in 2013, he became the Resident Judge and Honorary Recorder of Manchester - a position which links the judiciary and the local council, succeeding the late Mr Justice Andrew Gilbart.
Reflecting on his time in the historic role, Judge Stockdale said: "It is a huge honour.
"I think it's the best job in the whole of the judiciary, to be the recorder of the best city, which this is.
"It is certainly a serious responsibility as well, but it is hugely rewarding."
He admits it has not all been plain sailing, with austerity and cuts to funding meaning victims and defendants have seen delays in cases coming before the courts.
"The decision taken by the Ministry of Justice to reduce sitting days has had an adverse effect on waiting times," Judge Stockdale said.
"It's a great pity that more resources cannot be given to the criminal justice system.
"But we are living in straightened times.
"We have lived in times of austerity recently, and everybody has had to tighten their belts."
Despite this, he describes our criminal justice system as the 'best in the world'.
"We will not let go of it," he added.
Currently, judges have to retire at the age of 70. Judge Stockdale says he wanted to 'quit while I'm ahead'.
His replacement is expected to be revealed next month.
A married father-of-four, Judge Stockdale plans to enjoy walks in the hills, as well as riding his motorbike.
"Everything I do, I will be getting cold and wet," he said.
