Andrew Smith MBE TD

His Honour, Judge Smith was the first Judge I ever appeared in front of for a Court Martial. I was so nervous I’m sure I was visibly shaking. It wasn’t long before I settled down and knowing the fair and understanding Judge in front of me was Judge Smith meant I did just fine. He gave me such lovely and encouraging feedback. “You couldn’t tell it was your first trial” are words that will stick with me for giving me real confidence going forward. He’s the Judge I have appeared in front of the most and when I know it’s Judge Smith I know I’ll be just fine - if I go wrong he’ll correct me but he’ll never do it in a way that impacts your confidence. Firm and fair and it was always lovely to have a quick chat at the end of a trial and take away his wisdom and learning points. The Service Justice System has lost a great Judge and a lovely man. You’ll be missed - my condolences and love to all his family, friends and colleagues.

Gone too soon. A good man, a brilliant advocate and a fair and sound Judge. I briefed Andrew from when he was a baby barrister until he was appointed a Judge and during that time he became a close and trusted friend. He was a devoted family man and my heart goes out to his Michelle and his two children for their sad loss.

I was so very sorry to hear the news and add my sincere condolences to his family. I knew Judge Smith from appearing as a Defence barrister in front of him at courts martial in Catterick. My abiding memory will be of his kindness, humanity, sense of humour and clear love for - and pride in - his family. I will always remember a trial in which I was acting for a young 18 year old recruit who was accused of a serious offence. Whilst ensuring that the trial was fair for all parties, he never forgot who he was dealing with and he was rare in the sensitive, kind and empathetic manner in which he dealt with him. He was the same with both advocates - he insisted on going out with both the prosecution advocate and I for dinner in Darlington after the case had concluded. It was a lovely evening and he was wonderful company. It was great hearing and exchanging war stories from his time at the Bar, and discussing mutual acquaintances. I remember his genuine keenness to listen to any feedback we may have to help improve the SJS, his sense of humour, and the joyful way in which he spoke of his family. Whilst his time within the SJS has sadly been cut far too short, we will all remember him. May his memory be a blessing to his family and friends. Puneet Rai - Thomas More Chambers

What an absolute shock! Andrew was a good man, a great advocate, a friend and stalwart of the Sheffield Bar. Yet another gone too soon. My sincere condolences to his wife and sons and all that knew him.

I only knew him as Judge Advocate Smith and although I was aware of his military service and time at the bar my abiding memory will be of a genuinely warm and caring man who saw the best in people. If I could be half the man he was I would be a happy.

I knew Judge Smith only in my capacity as a Solicitor Advocate appearing before him at courts martial. The one thing that will forever remain in my memory of him is that he had considerable empathy for my clients and often gave priority to their interests when making decisions. His death is a tragic loss to the Service Justice System. From what I have heard of him this week, it’s clear that there is a considerable hole in the lives of many, many people far beyond the world in which I knew him. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and to those who loved him as a friend.

I have very fond memories of being in Sheffield and Doncaster cases with Andrew many moons ago. A genuinely talented guy and a pleasure to work with. A man of real integrity on whom you could rely. He never fell into the trap of being defined by his work at the bar and clearly cherished his family and other interests. Modest to the last, he would never boast about his very impressive military career and would simply refer to 'being in the TA'. I may be wrong about this, but I have a distant memory of him being thumped in the cells by a client once, and the judge telling him it was all part of the job! Others with better recall may confirm or deny this yarn. Godspeed Andrew.

I have just been told of this terribly sad news. What a delightful man. A superb tribunal to appear before. Scrupulously fair and always compassionate. He will be greatly missed