TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Kent lawyer, who has died in hospital after a car crash.

Neville Willard, 52, was critically injured in the accident in Surrey on Monday and died three days later.

Mr Willard, who leaves a widow Frances and two sons, aged 13 and eight, was called to the Bar in 1976 and practised in criminal law for over 20 years.

Tributes to the barrister, from Cowden, near Edenbridge, were led by Judge Andrew Patience, QC, at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Judge Patience said Mr Willard was still young, but had enjoyed a substantial career and was much respected at both Maidstone and Canterbury Crown Courts.

"Not only was he prominent and respected, but he was also an immenseley popular man," he told a courtroom packed with lawyers and staff. "He was also a fine advocate, always a plesaure when he appeared in front of us in court.

"He had a laid-back style of advocacy. It was nonetheless very effective, especially when getting after a defendant in cross-examination.

"But now he is gone. We all share a great sense of shock and loss of a valued friend, practitioner and colleague."

On behalf of the Kent Bar, Fiona Moore-Graham said she and other lawyers were all in shock.

"Neville was a quiet, gentle family man, quite a private man. He was a very fair opponent, whether prosecuting or defending. The Bar will sadly miss him."

It is the second time that Mr Willard's chambers, headed by Stephen Hockman, QC, at Six Pump Court, Temple, London, have been hit by tragedy.

In June 2002, lawyer Paul Mee, who was 40, of Blackheath, south-east London, was killed when his car was in collision with a lorry in Ashford.