‘Thoughtful and generous’ Jurat retires
‘A THOUGHTFUL, generous person with a social conscience’ was how Bailiff Richard McMahon described Jurat David Grut as he retired from the Jurats’ bench.
However, Mr McMahon said that while retiring from this position, Jurat Grut would be continuing in the capacity of Jure-Justicier de la Cour Royale – a role he took on immediately after his official retirement, since a Royal Court trial was held straight after the sitting of the Full Court.
‘That’s typical dedication,’ said the Bailiff.
Jurat Grut had stepped down from the role earlier than he was obliged to do in order to spend time with his partner, Sally, travelling, ‘when such ventures are more readily available than at present’.
His experience of public life began when he served St Saviour’s parish, which he did for almost 20 years, and spent five years as a Douzaine representative in the States before being elected a deputy for the West district.
He served on the Education Council and later the then Children’s Board.
Before joining the Children’s Board he was a member of the Juvenile Panel: ‘That experience... will inevitably have stood you in good stead for many of the duties you have since performed as a Jurat,’ said Mr McMahon.
Outside of public life, Jurat Grut ran the family business, Grut’s, set up by his father, Thomas, in 1876, for 25 years.
Mr McMahon said Jurat Grut had always articulated his views with clarity and concern and respected the views of others.
‘The court is grateful to you for the distinguished service you have given, and will continue to give, over so many years, but especially to the Royal Court, where you have the respect and admiration of us all and we wish you good health and all the best for the future,’ he said.
Jurat Grut gave a short speech which he opened by thanking Mr McMahon for his ‘very flattering words, which I certainly don’t deserve’.
He said he had not intended to take up another public office after serving in the States, but was persuaded to do so by Jurat Jerry Girard, whom he said he blamed but also thanked: ‘I think there were many times he may have regretted making that suggestion, as we often vehemently disagreed when we retired, on both trials and sentencing,’ said Jurat Grut.
He said that while the island’s Royal Court and system of administration was not perfect and there was always room for improvement, the Jurat system was integral to it. ‘I hope that Jurats will always be a part of it.’
He concluded by saying he was looking forward to his ‘30-minute retirement’, before taking on the role of Jurat Suppliant in a trial that was scheduled to last six days.
