Jeremiah Harman

Sir Jeremiah Le Roy Harman (13 April 1930 – 6 March 2021) was an English barrister and High Court judge. His judicial service was marred by a series of gaffes and high-profile incidents, culminating in his resignation in 1998 after being subject severe criticism by the Court of Appeal for delays in handing down a judgment.

Early life Harman was born on 13 April 1930 in Kensington, London, England, to Sir Charles Harman and Helen Sarah Le Roy Lewis. Harman was educated at Eton College, an all-boys public school (independent boarding school) in Berkshire.

Military service Following school, Harman joined the British Army in 1948 and was commissioned into the Royal Hampshire Regiment; he claimed to have served in the Coldstream Guards. On 4 May 1950, he transferred to the Parachute Regiment as a second lieutenant with seniority in that rank from 27 February 1949. and was promoted to substantive lieutenant on 13 April 1953 with seniority from 1 December 1950. He transferred to the Territorial Army Reserve of Officers on 14 October 1955, thereby ending his military service.

Legal career He was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1954. He was appointed a judge of the High Court's Chancery Division in 1982. and not to be familiar with "Gazza" as the nickname for Paul Gascoigne in 1990 when he was the subject of media interest due to his performances at the 1990 World Cup.

Resignation He resigned his position in 1998 after being subject to severe criticism by the Court of Appeal for not handing down a judgment until 20 months after the hearing. For the year 2000 he served as Treasurer of Lincoln's Inn.

Personal life Harman married three times. He was married to Helen Gillian Wharton from 1955 to 1958. From 1960 to 1987 he was married to Erica Jane Bridgeman, daughter of the Hon. Sir Maurice Bridgeman. They had two sons and one daughter.