From: Liverpool
Highest break: 68
Qualified as referee: 1988 and then by 1994 I had passed all necessary exams.
First Pro match: It was a Challenge Tour game in Altrincham about 1996. Ken Owers was one of the players.
Most memorable match: It's got to be Stephen Hendry against Nigel Bond at 2006 World Championship. It was only my second match at the Crucible and what a finish – it went to a respotted black in the last frame! Probably not Stephen’s most memorable game.
Most embarrassing moment: I refereed Ronnie O’Sullivan a few years ago at the Crucible. He potted the black, but it stuck in the top of the pocket. I went to pick up the ball from the rail and placed it on the black spot, but it was a red instead.
If you weren’t a referee what would you do: My family used to own a farm, so something to do with the environment.
Which is toughest rule to apply: Like most of my colleagues, I’d say the simultaneous hit. Unless you’ve got the benefit of a slow motion replay, it can be almost impossible to spot.
What do you carry in your pockets: Two pound coin and ball markers. Generally though as little as possible. I don’t want my pockets to rattle!.
Where do you get your gloves: Usually from Slaters and sometimes from China when we can get a supply of them.
Interests: I'm a staunch Everton fan. I also enjoy playing billiards and snooker in my local league. And I'm now giving something back to the game and have become a WPBSA billiards coach. I'm a member of the snooker and billiards rules committee and have just become a referee's mentor for the EPSB.