Judge resigns after drink-drive arrest

John Aspinall QC has resigned as a judge following his arrest for alleged drink driving after an accident near his home in Dorset.

Aspinall had been a recorder on the Western Circuit for 13 years, having been appointed an assistant recorder in 1985 and a full recorder in 1990.

He is due to appear before Blandford Magistrates' Court on 20 May charged with having excess alcohol in his blood and failing to provide a specimen after a three-car crash on the A350 near Blandford Forum.

Aspinall was called to the Bar in 1971 and took silk in 1995.

He is a tenant specialising in crime at the chambers of Michael Parroy QC at 3 Paper Buildings, having previously been at the chambers of Guy Boney QC at Pump Court Chambers.

A spokesman at the Lord Chancellor's Department confirmed Aspinall's resignation had been accepted.