London - British courts will be a quieter, duller place after Mr George Carman QC (70), the veteran libel lawyer who won cases for everyone from Elton John to Mr Mohamed al-Fayed, retired yesterday.
Mr Carman, renowned for his fearsome cross-examination skills, said he was hanging up his silken gown reluctantly on the advice of his doctor. "I would like to thank the clerks who have looked after me so well and the great support and kindness shown by all my professional colleagues," he said. "It has been a privilege to have practised at the Bar for 47 years."
Mr Carman said he would use his new-found free time to write a book about his experiences in the world of British law. Colleagues and former foes alike saluted the Blackpool-born barrister and mourned his departure.