Categories
Judiciary

Mr Justice Goose

Mr Justice Goose is a British High Court judge in the King’s Bench Division. Sir Julian Nicholas Goose is known as The Honourable Mr Justice Goose and should be addressed in court as “My Lord”.

Mr Justice Julian Nicholas Goose, a respected figure in the British judiciary, has made significant contributions to the legal system through his roles as a High Court judge, a senior circuit judge, and the Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit. Born on the 26th July 26 1961, Judge Goose’s legal career spans several decades, marked by landmark cases and judicial advancements.

Judge Julian Goose, honorary recorder of Sheffield, talks about the role of judges in the Crown Court

Early Life and Education

Julian Goose was educated at the prestigious Birkdale and Silverdale Schools. He pursued his legal education at the University of Leeds, where he earned an LLB. His early exposure to the rigors of legal study set the foundation for his future career in law. After completing his education, Goose was called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1984, a significant step that would lead him through various roles in the legal profession.

Legal Career

  • Recorder and Silk: Goose began his judicial career as a recorder in 1998, a position he held until 2013. He took silk in 2002, becoming a Queen’s Counsel, which is a testament to his expertise in law. His tenure as head of chambers at Zenith Chambers from 2004 to 2013 further underscored his leadership and legal acumen.
  • Circuit Judge: From 2013 to 2017, Goose served as a senior circuit judge and resident judge at Sheffield Combined Court Centre. During this period, he was also the honorary recorder of Sheffield, roles that involved extensive case management and judicial decision-making at the circuit level.
  • High Court Judge: In October 2017, Goose was appointed to the High Court, specifically assigned to the King’s Bench Division. This appointment came with the traditional knighthood, and he became known as The Honourable Mr Justice Goose. His work in the High Court has included some of the most high-profile criminal cases in the UK.
  • Presiding Judge: From January 2022, he has served as the Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit, a role where he oversees judicial operations and ensures the effective administration of justice across the region. This position reflects his deep commitment to the justice system and his leadership within it.

Notable Cases

Mr Justice Goose has presided over several notable cases including:

  • Axel Rudakubana was sentenced on the 23rd Jan 2025 for the murder of three girls in Southport last July, and the attempted murder of 10 other people. “These proceedings are being conducted under my control Mr Rudakubana – do you understand? Not yours!”.
    Axel Rudakubana was jailed for a minimum of 52 years and told it was “highly likely” he will never be released.
Mr Justice Goose – Southport child killer Axel Rudakubana locked up for at least 52 years

Mr Justice Goose Sentencing Error
“The purpose of this hearing is to correct a technical error….I’m satisfied to amend the sentence to detention under His Majesty’s pleasure” – Mr Justice Goose on the 4th Feb 2025.

  • Ashley Dale’s Killers: In a case that garnered significant media attention, Mr Justice Goose sentenced four men convicted of murdering Ashley Dale. His sentences were broadcast, highlighting his role in delivering justice in complex and emotionally charged cases.
Judge Mr Justice Goose – Four jailed for at least 173 years for murder of Ashley Dale
  • Graham Mansfield: In a heart-wrenching scenario involving a failed suicide pact, Mr Justice Goose handed down a suspended sentence to Graham Mansfield for manslaughter. His judgement was based on compassionate legal interpretation, reflecting the complexities of human behaviour and law.
  • Other Significant Trials: Mr Justice Goose has also dealt with cases involving drug-related murders and other serious crimes, demonstrating his ability to navigate legal nuances with a fair and balanced approach.
Mr Justice Goose – Teens detained over fatal revenge stabbing of boy, 16
The Honourable Mr Justice Goose – ‘Body in woods’ killer jailed for at least 37 years

Contributions to the Law

Beyond his judicial duties, Mr Justice Goose was a member of the Sentencing Council from 2014 to 2020. This role allowed him to influence sentencing policies and practices, contributing to a more uniform and fair judicial system in England and Wales.

Personal Life

Married to Susan Bulmer since 1987, Mr Justice Goose is a father to two sons and one daughter, balancing his personal life with his demanding judicial career.

“Publicity is the very soul of justice. . . . It keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial….Where there is no publicity there is no justice”

Jeremy BenthamMr Justice Cobb: ‘Justice must be seen to be done’

The three key values which are central to the role of judicial office holders (JOHs) in England and Wales are:
• Independence
• Impartiality
• Integrity

Image of Mr Justice Goose : BBC

Check out our articles on Dodgy JudgesJudges Salaries and Fees, Mr Justice Williams, His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, His Honour Andrew Menary KC, His Honour Judge Guy Kearl, His Honour Now His Dishonour, His Honour Judge Michael Slater, His Honour Judge Martin Davis, HHJ Farquhar, Judge Pinder, Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ?, Can you Email a Judge ?, Can you Criticise a Judge ? and the highly dubious Sussex Family Justice Board.


The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


Latest Articles


Most Popular


You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

[post_title] was last updated on the 23rd June 2026

By Dom Watts

Dom Watts founded the Ministry of Injustice in July 2021. Dom is an IT Professional with 30+ years experience in Tier 1 Banking, Government, Defence, Healthcare and Global Blue Chips. Dom has no legal training and is not a lawyer but has previously consulted for a Magic Circle Law Firm. You can find Dom on X or Google.

Dom Watts publishes the Ministry of Injustice as a citizen journalist. The journalism exemption is detailed in the Data protection and journalism code of practice published by the ICO and Section 124 of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Section 2 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of truth. Section 3 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of honest opinion. Section 4 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of public interest. Section 8 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the single publication rule.

Section 4a of The Limitation Act 1980 defines the time limit for actions for defamation or malicious falsehood as one year from the date on which the cause of action accrued.

Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 gives the right to freedom of expression. "This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers."

"Free speech encompasses the right to offend, and indeed to abuse another." - Para 43 Scottow v CPS [2020] EWHC 3421 (Admin)

"Free speech is a fundamental common law right" - Para 21 R v Shayler [2002] UKHL 11 [2003] 1 AC 247 per Lord Bingham and Para 42 Phillips -v- Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs [2024] EWHC 32 (Admin)

Dom is a member of The Free Speech Union

“A key issue here is the need to distinguish between conduct which, however objectionable, does not justify invoking the criminal law and conduct which crosses the line and results in criminal liability" - Para 31 R v O’Neill [2016] EWCA Crim 92 [2016]

“Harassment is generally understood to involve improper oppressive and unreasonable conduct that is targeted at an individual and calculated to produce alarm and distress” - Para 38 R v O’Neill [2016] EWCA Crim 92 [2016]

"The behaviour said to amount to harassment must reach a level of seriousness passing beyond irritations, annoyances....The gravity of the misconduct must be of an order which would sustain criminal liability" - Paras [40-44] Hayden v Dickenson [2020] EWHC 3291 (QB)

"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything"

In 2002 Dom Watts was an unlikely consumer champion. The dad of three from Croydon took on the power and might of Kodak – and won...Dom on BBC Working Lunch

Rule of Law - Open Justice - Policing By Consent