Estate agent Mike Poole is the new High Sheriff of County Durham

In a centuries-old tradition, Mike Poole, of Whinney Hill, near Stockton, was recently “pricked” by the King from the list of new High Sheriffs for the coming year across England and Wales.

The prominent Teesside estate agent duly assumed the historic, but now purely ceremonial post, at his formal declaration and oath-making event at Durham Crown Court.

Friday’s (March 28) swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Judge Francis Laird KC, the resident judge, with Mr Poole’s wife, Cath, his three sons and some of his eight grandchildren, plus other friends and family present.

(Image: The Northern Echo) Left to right, above: Judge Nathan Adams, Under-Sheriff Helen Dexter, new High Sheriff, Mike Poole, Judge Francis Laird, KC, chaplain, the Rev Mark Miller, Co Durham’s Lord Lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, outgoing High Sheriff, Harry Swan, and Judge Richard Bennett 

The badge of office was handed over by the outgoing High Sheriff for 2024/5, Harry Swan.

Mr Poole swore the shrieval oath and appointed the Reverend Mark Miller as his chaplain for the coming year.

He also asked Helen Dexter, of Barnard Castle law firm Tilly Bailey and Irvine, to remain in post as Under-Sheriff, a task she formally accepted.

Judge Laird welcomed Mr Poole and family to the court.

He said: “The modern-day system of crown courts was created in the early 1970s, but justice has been dispensed from this building, in Durham, since 1811.

“If walls could talk, I’m sure we would hear of many fascinating stories.

“But we have all gathered here today for the installation of Mike Poole as High Sheriff of the County of Durham.”

The judge told Mr Poole the role of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office in the UK, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times.

He said over the centuries High Sheriffs have acted as judges, law enforcers, ensuring sentences of the court are carried out, and tax collectors.

“All popular roles, you understand.

“However, the role these days is largely ceremonial, much more pleasant, and, as Mike will be pleased to hear, less likely to get you executed.”

(Image: The Northern Echo) The judge said Mr Poole has been a prominent businessman in County Durham and Teesside for more than 30 years.

Having set up his own business in 1994, he now has nine offices and two of his sons are co-directors, with Mr Poole chairman of the company.

(Image: The Northern Echo) Judge Laird said: “Although success in business has come his way, he is also a man who has given much back to his, and our community.

“He has served the public with distinction and in a variety of roles, including acting as Deputy Lieutenant, Vice Lord Lieutenant and as a magistrate.

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“He has, over the years, been involved in various charitable works and trusts, and, now, in addition to that, he will serve the county for the coming year as High Sheriff.

“I’m sure you will all join me in wishing him a happy, healthy and productive year in office.”

After the ceremony photographs were taken on the court steps featuring Mr Poole and Mr Swan with Judge Laird, other judges sitting at the court, Richard Bennett and Nathan Adams, County Durham’s Lord Lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, Under-Sheriff Helen Dexter and chaplain, The Rev Mark Miller.