Senior Sussex Judge Christine Henson Becomes Honorary Recorder of Brighton and Hove
Brighton and Hove City Council has appointed the senior judge in Sussex as its new honorary recorder. Judge Christine Henson, the resident judge at Lewes Crown Court, was put forward at a full council meeting and approved unanimously, according to Brighton and Hove News.
The role is an unpaid ceremonial office. It replaces Judge Christine Laing, who retired at the end of May and stepped down as honorary recorder at the same time.
Sources: Brighton and Hove News, 18 October 2026 and Brighton and Hove City Council report to full council, 1 October 2026
What an honorary recorder does
The council’s report describes the role as an unpaid ceremonial office created by the Local Government Act 1972. It says the post offers a way of building close links between local authorities and the judiciary, including by helping the community understand the judicial system. The functions may include attending ceremonial and civic functions.
The report says the role is different from that of a Recorder. Recorders are paid judicial posts appointed on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor, and they sit as judges in the crown or county court. Honorary recorders are unpaid and are appointed by local authorities.
The report adds that the council could help the honorary recorder build links with other public bodies in the city, such as health trusts and the police.
Who is Judge Henson
Judge Henson is the resident judge at Lewes Crown Court, which makes her the senior judge at the court and its satellite courts in Hove and Brighton. The council’s report says she was appointed resident judge on 30 May 2026. It describes her as a King’s Counsel and a judge authorised to sit in the Family Court, including the High Court, in cases involving children.
Brighton and Hove News reports that she also teaches at the Judicial College. In the statement quoted in the council’s report, she says she was called to the Bar in 1994, practised in legal aid criminal representation, took silk and became a judge. She says she was the first in her family to go to university, has lived in Sussex for 20 years, and has been a school governor.
“It has never been more important for public confidence to be improved with the work of the courts and I have worked to that end including running events for young travellers at the courts and local students.”
“Having children myself in Sussex I am passionate about participating in a scheme that may reduce knife crime in our county.”
Judge Christine Henson, in a statement quoted in the council’s report
She also says she has led the Sponsored Legal Walk, which raises money for legal services in Sussex, and has judged the university mock trial competition. She says she hopes close links between the justice system and the council can help reduce “the cycle of crime and crisis”.
What happened at the council meeting
The council’s agenda shows the appointment was item 45 at the full council meeting on Thursday 1 October 2026, which had been moved from 24 September. The recommendation was to appoint Judge Henson for the period of her tenure as resident judge at Lewes Crown Court. Read the council’s report and agenda.
Brighton and Hove News reports that Green councillor Raphael Hill spoke at the meeting, and that members of all parties welcomed the appointment.
“We support all efforts to improve the relationship between civic administration like our council and the judiciary.”
Councillor Raphael Hill, Green Party, at the council meeting
What the council report says
How the story developed
Sources
More local stories are under News and Brighton and Hove on ImJustBrighton.
Read more from ImJustBrighton
Theresa Fowler Appointed New Mayor of Brighton and Hove 2026
Richard Bennett Jailed 18 Years: Eastbourne Man Convicted of Rape
