Who would have thought that Judge Hilary Squires would become something of a celeb at his relatively advanced age? Although highly regarded in the legal fraternity, Squires was hardly a household name before his croaky rendering of the 165-page judgment in the Schabir Shaik trial. It was evident, however, that he did not seek the limelight when he opened  said judgment by saying : "It's likely to be dull and boring, so if anyone wants to leave, they may do so." In the event it proved to be highly compelling - people were glued to television screens in offices and homes across the country - and contained elements that may well help shape the future of this country.

With acknowledgements to the Cape Times.