Circuit judge defends his honour after fraud arrest

CIRCUIT judge Richard Gee has released a press statement saying that he is confident he will emerge from mortgage fraud inquiries with his reputation "intact".

Gee, who was arrested last week and questioned at Belgravia police station, is alleged to have been involved in fraud occurring between 1980 and 1989.

His arrest was confirmed in a statement released last week by the Lord Chancellor's Department, which has suspended his sitting until the outcome of the investigation is known.

Scotland Yard also confirmed a 53-year-old man had been arrested, but refused to reveal his name.

The statement, released by Gee's lawyers Peters & Peters, makes six points on behalf of the judge.

It says his attendance at the police station was by prior arrangement and he has not been charged with any criminal offence.

He says he has not been informed of the detail of any allegation which has been made against him.

Gee, who the statement claims is confident his reputation will remain intact, is also said to be "anxious to ensure that the inquiries presently being pursued are completed as speedily as possible".

The statement says Gee looks forward to resuming his judicial duties "as soon as possible".