Remembering Michael McKnight, aged 62, who died on 27 June, 2009, following a fishing accident.

Respected solicitor Mr McKnight, of Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, was on holiday in Scotland when the tragedy occurred. He died at Western General Hospital in Edinburgh after suffering a traumatic head injury.

Peter Howland, of Beswicks Solicitors in Festival Park, said: "Michael was always jovial and pleasant and treated his opponents and his own clients with respect.

"He prosecuted his cases fairly, and without any bias and was always keen to see that justice was done.

"He will be greatly missed by all his colleagues and his death is a very sad loss to the legal profession.

"He was the son of Vincent McKnight who was a senior partner in the Hanley firm of McKnight and Ryder, based in Birch Terrace, Hanley.

"He was a successful defence solicitor, but more recently had prosecuted on behalf of the CPS.

"He also sat as a deputy district judge on the Midland and Oxford circuit."

Colin Drew, of Brown and Corbishley Solicitors in Newcastle, said: "I have known Michael for about 40 years. He was in practice with his father Vincent and brother Patrick.

"His death has come as a terrible shock, and I will miss him greatly. He was a cheerful and outgoing person, always ready with a joke."

Mr McKnight was a house member at Trentham Golf Club.

Former Trentham Golf Club captain and retired solicitor Peter Rhodes said he had known Mr McKnight for 40 years in both a professional and golfing capacity.

Mr Rhodes, from Newcastle, said: "He was, by common consent, a lovely man. Friendly, approachable and much respected by his professional colleagues."

The CPS added tributes to Mr McKnight. A spokesman said: "Michael did a great deal of work on behalf of CPS Cheshire. He was always of a cheerful disposition and was much respected by CPS staff at all levels.

"He will be sorely missed."