A BOLTON judge has resigned following allegations that he visited a gay sauna club. The Lord Chancellor's Department has confirmed they have received a letter from Crown Court recorder Anthony Russell, 45, tendering his resignation.

Barrister Mr Russell quit as a part-time judge after the News of the World published allegations that he had visited the Greenhouse Club in Walsall, West Midlands.

An official at Mr Russell's Peel Court chambers in Manchester said: "We are all very upset at the situation. Colleagues at the Bar are supporting him."

A spokesman for the Lord Chancellor's Department refused to reveal whether the Lord Chancellor would be accepting the resignation or asking Mr Russell to reconsider the decision.

An investigation launched after the allegations appeared on Sunday has now been halted. Mr Russell is now reported to be away from his home on holiday.

Supt Nick Dickerson of Walsall police said: "We have been in contact with the News of the World and with the club to establish the facts. But at this moment we have no evidence of any offences."

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