Blind lecturer a judge

A SENIOR law lecturer has overcome disability and discrimination to become the United Kingdom's second-ever blind judge.

Amir A. Majid, 44, a reader in law at London Guildhall University, has been appointed a part-time immigration adjudicator.

He will preside over immigration cases such as political asylum and the entry of foreign partners of British nationals to the UK.

In 1995, Dr Majid was awarded Pounds 15,000 compensation and a two-year paid sabbatical after bringing a claim of racial discrimination against London Guildhall.

While he says he has learned from his tribunal that "litigation corrodes and is to be avoided if one can", he has no regrets about fighting his case.

John Wall, RNIB chairman, who was appointed Britain's first blind judge in 1991, said the decision to make Dr Majid an adjudicator recognised that blind people were just as able to undertake important civil duties as the fully sighted.