First Asian woman to be a High Court judge

Bobbie Cheema-Grubb QC, 49, is one of just four “non-white” High Court judges, according to HM Courts and Tribunals Service records.

Her appointment, which was announced in October, brings the number of female High Court judges to 23 out of 108.

She is described in Chambers Bar UK as a “well-respected” barrister who “relishes complex and demanding cases”.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb prosecuted retired bishop Peter Ball who was jailed after being found guilty of a string of offences against teenagers and young men.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lord Thomas, the Lord Chief Justice, said: “We have no doubt that given her energy, her wide range of commitments and her family that all of this will provide a proper balance to the day-to-day pressures of life as a busy High Court judge.

“We therefore wish to congratulate her on her appointment and with the utmost warmth we wish her well as she takes up her very important duties.”

Lord Thomas also revealed the new High Court judge had wanted to be an astronaut as a teenager, adding: “Nasa’s loss is our gain.”

Derby-born Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, who went to the City of Leeds School, was first called to the bar in 1989.

The first High Court judge from a black or minority ethnic background to be appointed was Mrs Justice Dobbs QC in 2004. She retied in 2013.

The first Asian male judge to be appointed was Mr Justice Singh, who was sworn in in 2011.