Nationality Australian Role Judge Name Fred Kirkham | Children 2 sons, 2 daughters Spouse(s) Janet Anne (Jan) Education Newington College | |
Born 5 April 1937 ( 1937-04-05 ) Leichhardt, New South Wales Occupation NSW Police Officer
Barrister
NSW District Court Judge Title His Honour Judge Fred Kirkham Died October 25, 2007, Pretty Beach, Australia | ||
Fred Kirkham (born Frederick Angus Benfield, 5 April 1937 – 25 October 2007) was an Australian Olympic-level rower, songwriter and Judge.
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Early life
Kirkham was born in Leichhardt, New South Wales and attended Newington College (1945–1953). During his adolescence he was known as Fred Benfield but reverted to his mother's maiden name as an adult.
Olympic representation
At the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Victoria, Kirkham rowed in the Bronze medal winning Men's Eight.
Police & legal career
For twenty years Kirkham served as a member of the New South Wales Police Force. Kirkham served as a uniformed officer for several years before training to join the NSW Police Drug Squad.
After completing his HSC at the age of 30, Kirkham attended night school to complete his Law degree. He was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1974 and practiced mainly in the area of personal injury. After 14 years at the Bar he was appointed a Judge of the District Court of New South Wales in 1988 where he served until his retirement.
Music career
In 1963, Kirkham co-wrote The Delltones' hit song Hangin' Five with Ben Acton.
Community activities
He served as President of the Old Newingtonians' Union at the time of its Centenary (1995–1996).