Born in 1934, Mr Philo was educated at the University of Oxford and admitted as a solicitor in 1966.

He said he loved his job and had lots of friends at the court, which was a “wonderful” place to work.

The building did have its drawbacks, however. “When it was built, about 1839, people were smaller,” he said. “Jurors these days can hardly fit into the jury box.”

Other changes he had seen during his decades of service included the introduction of video technology, which allowed him to continue appearing while isolating at home during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I can be in three courts in one day, quite far from each other, by video, so that is an excellent thing,” he added.

Speaking at a surprise reception for Mr Philo before Christmas, the Recorder of Lincoln, Judge Simon Hirst, paid tribute to him.

Judge Hirst said: “I have been in the legal profession some 30 years and when I began my career at chambers in Hull I was a regular visitor to Grimsby Crown Court.

“In the robing room, Noel always had words of wisdom for a ‘baby’ barrister and displayed acts of kindness.”