“I’m truly apologetic … It’s interesting to find out things that are new about yourself.” The judge initially planned to be a drummer in a rock band but, at 23, realised he didn’t have the talent, he said. The lawyers he’d flatted with “seemed to know everything” so he decided to study law. Libby Wilson/Stuff A pōwhiri was held before Judge Philip Connell’s final sitting at Hamilton District Court on Friday. He’s pictured, right, sharing a hongi with Judge Glen Marshall. That led to 40 years of defending, prosecuting and judging people accused of the most serious crimes, said Judge Garry Collin, who presided over the sitting.