RETIRING District Court judge Hugh Botting rejected accusations the judiciary live in ivory towers and scathingly called one-punch laws “society’s revenge”.

Judge Hugh Botting called one-punch laws “society’s revenge”, saying they did not act as a deterrent.

At the same time, he rejected accusations the judiciary live in ivory towers.

After 26 years on the bench, Judge Botting gave his valedictory speech in the Banco Court this morning.

He refrained from making overt references to controversy surrounding Chief Justice Tim Carmody, other than a jest at having heard of some “tensions” in the court.

Judge Botting said the judiciary often came under criticism when making “pronouncements that disappoint”.

“(Criticism) that judges are elitist, or out of touch, or living in ivory towers or constitute members of something called an old boys club,” he said.

“I suspect those of you who know me well ... would know how stupid those characterisations are.”

He spoke of his own schooling at Redcliffe State High School and later at St John’s College which he attended through a scholarship.

Judge Botting said strong sentences judges were required to hand down in relation to alcohol-fueled violence ruined the life of the aggressor, often drunk but “otherwise a hardworking and decent citizen”, and did not serve as a deterrent.

“Let us call it what it is: society’s revenge,” he said.

“Don’t let us sanitize it by calling it a deterrent.”

OVERNIGHT: Queensland's top prosecutor has been appointed to the District Court.

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has announced Tony Moynihan QC will replace Judge Hugh Botting, who will retire from the District Court tomorrow after 26 years on the bench.

Mr Moynihan, who was admitted to the Bar in 1991, has served as the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions since June 2008, .

“I want to thank Judge Botting for the fairness and expertise he has shown during a distinguished legal career over more than four decades,” Mrs D’Ath said in a statement.

“He has a well-earned reputation for decency and dedication.

“I also want to wish Mr Moynihan well for his new role on the District Court bench. He has a great mix of experience and I know he will make a significant contribution.”

media_camera Director of Public Prosecutions Tony Moynihan QC.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Michael Byrne QC, has been appointed as acting DPP.

Judge Botting was elected as the first honorary life member of the Bar Association of Queensland in 1988. He was appointed to the District Court the following year.

A valedictory will be held in Brisbane tomorrow to recognise Judge Botting’s career.