TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a leading judge affectionately known as "Walk Out Webster" by criminals who preferred to be dealt with by him.

The former Honorary Recorder of Burnley, Judge Ian Webster died just days before his 77th birthday.

He was said to be a hugely popular man, even described as 'loveable' by another judge, and his quirks included always having a bag of jelly babies in court and learning to play the clarinet at the age of 70.

The judge was appointed Honorary Rec- order of Burnley in 1991 and retired in 1995, although he had no sooner gone than he was back and he continued to sit part time.

He was not afraid of controversy and in 1995 argued for the legalisation of hard drugs after speaking of the horrors of the drug-riddled society of the 1980s and 1990s.

He said he wanted to see radical steps to wipe out the importers and dealers who peddled misery and death.

The judge knew of his nickname of "Walk Out Webster," and of how offenders would be almost queuing up to be dealt with in his court,

A former keen golfer, Judge Webster also loved poetry, was a keen historian and while sitting at Burnley began to learn the clarinet.

He and wife Margaret, a former teacher, had two sons.

The elder, Alistair has followed in his father's footsteps to the Bar and is now a Queen's Counsel. The couple's younger son Robin is a banker.

Burnley's current honorary recorder, Judge Raymond Bennett paid tribute to his former colleague.

He described Judge Webster as "loveable", and a very nice man who was good fun.

He said he enriched the lives of those who knew him.

In his time at the Bar, he was a much sought after advocate in the criminal courts while out of court he was entertaining company and an amusing raconteur.

Judge Bennett said during his time in Burnley, Judge Webster, also known as 'Webbie", won the affection of lawyers and court staff and the town council.

Judge Bennett said Judge Webster cut corners if necessary but never did so so as to cause an injustice.

He said Judge Webster was happily married for more than five decades and was justifiably proud of his sons.

Judge Webster was born and bred in Rochdale where he still lived until his death with his wife of more than 50 years.

He liked to describe himself as "A Lancashire lad who knows East Lancashire people."

He attended Rochdale Boys' Grammar School before going on to Manchester University and was called to the Bar in 1948 after a stint as a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm.

Judge Webster had a legal practice in Manchester before, in 1976, becoming the permanent chairman of industrial tribunals in the city.

From there, he went on to the Bench, becoming Assistant Recorder of Oldham in 1969 and then Salford in 1970. He was made a recorder in 1972 and became a circuit judge in 1981.

Judge Webster's funeral will be tomorrow at 10am at Rochdale Parish Church.