Tributes paid to top barrister who was a legal…

Tributes paid to top barrister who was a legal consultant for Coronation Street

Tributes have been paid to top barrister Paul Dockery - and legal advisor for Coronation Street - who has died following a massive stroke. He was 73.

The lawyer boasted an extraordinary legal career spanning six decades, 49 of them as a barrister based at 18 St John Street chambers in Manchester.

He was a well-known figure in courts across Greater Manchester, where he prosecuted and defended thousands of cases involving serious crime including gangland murders, drug smuggling and - later in his career - complex fraud cases.

From Alderley Edge, he continued working almost to the end of his life, prosecuting his final case earlier this month.

He suffered a massive stroke and passed away at 5.30am on October 17, his chambers confirmed.

The son of a railway worker raised in Crewe, he went to grammar school in Stoke before going to study law at the University of London. He embarked on a successful career in the law and was called to the Bar at Grays Inn in July 1973.

He was a key organiser of the mock trial that takes place every year at Manchester Crown Court where would-be lawyers from schools across the region get a taste of how the law works in practice.

Paul also made 19 appearances in Coronation Street as an extra over the years, in 2010 performing the role of a straight-talking usher when Gail Platt's son David appeared in the Weatherfield dock for pushing her down the stairs in rage.

A Coronation Street fan, he was a consultant for the show to ensure courtroom dramas were authentic, and his only compensation was the occasional walk-on part on the famous cobbles. He also gave advice to Hollyoaks but Corrie was his favourite, according to colleagues.

Paul Dockery playing a court usher in Coronation Street (Free)

"I thought it would be a giggle," Paul told the M.E.N. following his 2010 appearance. "When I first became involved five years ago, they asked me to look at Rita's court case when she was accused of clipping Chesney around the ear.

"I went onto the set as an advisor, but ended up sitting next to Cilla and Norris, playing a member of the public. I get to see the scripts months in advance and suggest whether the plot and dialogue is true to life," he said. "I also write little snippets of dialogue now and then, such as a judge's or a lawyer's speech.

"People often think the courts are like what they see on television, with lawyers portrayed asking `leading questions', which is not allowed. The advising side of things is relatively easy, because it involves aspects of what I do every day."

He leaves children Daniel and Sinead and grandchildren Theo and Gloria.

Daniel, 40, told the M.E.N: "He absolutely loved the TV work. He just loved speaking to people about the law. He liked people. He liked stories. That was what he was like.

"He had a sharp brain and a wicked sense of humour but above all he was kind. He was quite mischievous and just enjoyed having conversations and spending time with people."

The head of Paul's chambers, Richard Chapman KC, said: "Everybody in chambers is deeply saddened by the loss of Paul. His wit and wisdom lit up any room he was in, whether in court, at a social event, or just over a working lunch. The help, guidance and smiles he gave to others will always be remembered."