Judge who did it for his children

Mr Justice Albert J. Magri ended his 21-year career on the Bench yesterday with a touching speech in which he thanked his family and gave some insight into how he embarked upon his profession.

The last sitting, which has become a tradition among retiring members of the judiciary, was attended by Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri, Justice Minister Chris Said, members of the judiciary and lawyers.

He looked back upon the time, shortly after graduating, where he was faced with two offers to join legal offices, the first coming from Notary Sciberras Trigona and the other from former judge Hugh Harding.

Not quite sure which office to choose, he asked his father, who burst out laughing and replied with the question “Bert, can you imagine yourself cooped up in an office all day?” It was this answer which convinced him that the best option would be with Dr Harding.

Dr Magri also recalled the time when late President Emeritus Guido de Marco, who was a Justice Minister at the time, approached him and asked him to be a judge. He said that he could still remember Prof. de Marco’s voice telling him “Alberto, now that your wife has passed away, accept my offer, because you won’t have that hectic lifestyle of lawyers and can work serenely from home and look after your children”.

The last consideration, he said, was what convinced him because his children were still young and closest to his heart.

Dr Magri also thanked his partner Ruth and her daughter Kimberley, who had not only brought happiness into his life but also made it interesting. He said that Ruth was the type of person who could organise trips to countries which he had never imagined himself visiting.

He said that he thanked them for everything and vowed to always be around for them not only physically but also spiritually to show them his love for everything that they had done for him.