Hon Christopher Finlayson
Attorney-General
17 May 2016
Media Statement
Acting District Court Judges appointed
Two Acting District Court Judges have been appointed, Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson QC announced today. Both
will hold jury warrants.
Hamilton barrister and solicitor Philip Crayton has been appointed an Acting District Court Judge in Whanganui.
Mr Crayton was previously a barrister in the United Kingdom and has practised in New Zealand for over 14 years. Prior to
becoming a partner at Almao Douch in 2004, he was a senior staff solicitor with Almao Kellaway Barristers & Solicitors. He has practised in the criminal jurisdiction at all levels up to the Court of Appeal with occasional
appearances in the Family Court and Youth Court.
Judge Crayton will be sworn in on 14 June 2016 in Hamilton.
Auckland barrister Sanjay Patel has been appointed an Acting District Court Judge in Manukau.
Mr Patel commenced his career in a general practice in 1992. After 12 months he moved to Davenports in Henderson
carrying out general civil litigation, criminal and employment work. In 1996 he moved to Corban Revell where he remained
until 1999 when he became a barrister sole specialising in criminal defence litigation in the District Court, High Court
and Court of Appeal.
Judge Patel will be sworn in on 22 June 2016 in Manukau.
ends