Her Honour Judge Rosa Dean
1. When you were at Brighton & Hove High School, and what is your fondest memory of school?
I was at the school from the age of 8 to 16 so 1977 to 1985.
2. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
My favourite teacher was Mrs Hancock who taught history. She was great fun and she loved her subject.
3. What were the benefits of being in an all-girls school?
The benefit of being at an all girl’s school was that we could just be ourselves and get on with it.
4. What did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
When I was younger I wanted to be an MP or a civil servant. Our Head, Mrs Wells, had been a civil servant and she was a very inspiring woman.
5. What do you do now, and what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
I was a criminal barrister for 18 years prosecuting and defending in jury trials. I have been a circuit judge for 11 years and am the Resident Judge of Snaresbrook Crown Court which, as a 20 court centre, is the largest court in England and Wales. I am also a member of the Sentencing Council which has responsibility for setting sentencing guidelines.
6. What are you most proud of so far?
So far I am proud of all my efforts to make sure that procedural justice happens at Snaresbrook. That means making sure, for example, that complainants in rape cases are given an early trial date that we stick to or in ensuring that the needs of young defendants- such as a 16 year old charged with murder – are met as best as we can.
7. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
The best piece of advice was to be kind to each other.
8. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
My advice to my 18 year old self would be to be patient and that you can always change paths.
9. What book, film or piece of music would you recommend to your younger self and to your fellow alumnae?
I would always recommend reading ‘Middlemarch‘ by George Eliot.
10. How would you like to be remembered?
I have no idea how I would like to be remembered – hopefully as someone who did not take herself too seriously.
