THE Queen has approved the appointment of His Honour Andrew Corlett as Second Deemster.

Deemster Corlett replaces Deemster David Doyle who was appointed the First Deemster and Clerk of the Rolls following the death of Deemster Michael Kerruish last year.

Deemster Corlett was educated at Ballasalla Primary School, King William's College and Pembroke College, Oxford.

He was appointed to the post of Deputy Deemster in November 2007.

He was called to the English Bar in 1984 by Gray's Inn and to the Manx Bar also in 1984.

From 1984 to 1995 he was a partner in Dickinson Cruickshank and Co and then served as Government Advocate from 1995 to 2001.

He returned to private practice as a director of Simcocks from 2001 to 2007. Deemster Corlett is married with two children.

He said: "I am naturally honoured and delighted that Her Majesty has approved my appointment as Second Deemster.

"I have greatly enjoyed the challenges of the last three years and am particularly pleased that it is intended that I should continue to sit principally in the Family and Civil Divisions of the High Court.

"I thank in particular my judicial colleagues (including of course the late Deemster Kerruish) and the administrative staff of the Courts Division who have greatly helped me to deal with those challenges and who I know will continue to do so.

"I look forward to assisting the First Deemster, Deemster Doyle, in providing those who use our courts with an efficient and just system for the resolution of their disputes."