Ex-classic Ferrari racing driver sworn in as High Sheriff

Nigel Corner pledged to use his experience in surviving a near-fatal Goodwood crash to help patients with spinal injuries and their families during his year in office.

He also pledged to work on improving literacy among prisoners and continue the work of the outgoing High Sheriff, Sir Andrew Lawson-Tancred, in helping offenders lead crime-free lives.

“I feel I will be walking in big footsteps,” he said. “I will try to follow the example Sir Andrew has set.”

Mr Corner, of a village near Leyburn in Wensleydale, wore his uniform as an honorary air commodore in the RAF for the ceremony at York Crown Court, presided over by the Recorder of York, Judge Sean Morris.   

The judge praised Sir Andrew’s work in promoting organisations including among others,  Clean Slate Solutions, which encourages young people not to get involved in crime.

“How many people have you helped and desisted from going down the wrong path?” he told Sir Andrew. “You may well have got many people on the straight and narrow.”

The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner, Judge Simon Hickey, barristers and other invited guests from the justice system and the two High Sheriff’s families, saw Sir Andrew hand over the High Sheriff’s medal. The office that has been in continuous existence for more than 1,000 years.

Mr Corner told the gathering at York Crown Court that the care of spinal injury patients and their families will be among three priorities for him during his term in office.

“This cause is close to my heart,” he said. “I know rather too much about this issue.”

In 2000, medical staff at Goodwood Racing Circuit almost certainly saved his life by giving him advanced emergency first aid treatment after he crashed while racing a Ferrari. 

He then spent weeks in a hospital ward with two punctured lungs and many broken bones before being discharged.  

Mr Corner also wants to improve literacy in the two prisons in North Yorkshire after hearing how many prisoners cannot read or write and that this hinders them going straight on release.

And he will work, like his predecessor, with Clean Slate Solutions.

He thanked all those who have helped him prepare for his year in office.