Sir Peter Williams, QC, dies
Sir Peter, who had been involved in more than 100 murder trials and was an advocate for penal reform and rehabilitation, was 80 years old.
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Leading barrister Sir Peter Williams, QC, died last night, aged 80, following a long struggle with cancer.
Family and friends were with Sir Peter as he died at his Auckland home about 6:30pm yesterday.
He had been knighted for services to law in April, in what was described as a moving ceremony, brought forward because of his terminal cancer.
His wife, Lady Heeni Phillips-Williams, said at his investiture in April that she was glad the date was brought forward because she was worried about Mr Williams’ health.
Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae praised Sir Peter's commitment and compassion to humanity.
"There are a number of people whom you've represented over a number of years who will be absolutely stoked that they've had a hand or hands in getting you to this momentous point," he said at the investiture.
The ceremony took place at Sir Peter's Ponsonby home, with guests including Paul Henry, John Banks and Winston Peters.
Typically, the knight had some fighting words.
"There are tremendous things to be done and it makes me angry that I just don't have the strength anymore," he said.
Sir Peter was involved in more than 100 murder trials through his career as a barrister.
Defendants he represented included Terry Clark (aka "Mr Asia"), Arthur Allan Thomas, and Basset Rd machine gun murderer Ronald Jorgensen.
He was an advocate for penal reform and rehabilitation, pressing his view that prisons make people more criminal.
Hamish McNicol
Wed, 10 Jun 2015
Wed, 10 Jun 2015
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Sir Peter Williams, QC, dies
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