Chief Justice Andrew Li extends his deepest condolences and sympathies to the wife and family of Justice Thomas Gall after learning that he had passed away at Queen Mary Hospital following a long illness.

The Chief Justice said he was saddened to hear the news, and that Mr Justice Gall "had borne his illness with optimism and courage" in the last few years.

Mr Justice Gall had served the Judiciary in the last 24 years with dedication and distinction, Chief Justice Li said. He served as District Judge from 1982-91 and from 1991 as Judge of the Court of First Instance.

"He was an outstanding criminal judge commanding the highest respect from all concerned," Chief Justice Li said.

"He delivered justice with common sense and warm humanity. With an excellent judicial temperament, litigants and lawyers always left his court satisfied of the fairness of the judicial process. He will be sadly missed. He will be remembered with great respect and affection."