outside the law, pickles enjoyed writing, particularly writing plays. he was a member of halifax thespians and halifax authors' circle. in addition to tabloid journalism in "the sun" and the "daily sport", he also wrote several books, including two memoirs "straight from the bench" (1987) and "judge for yourself" (1992) and a novel "off the record" (1993). he also wrote many plays, some of which were aired on bbc radio.