Dramatist and author Sir John Mortimer, who created the enduring character Rumpole of the Bailey, has died aged 85 after a long illness.

Sir John, who began working as a barrister in the 1940s, went on to become one of the most prolific writers of books and screenplays. He combined his careers as barrister and dramatist for several decades, successfully defending Oz magazine against charges of obscenity in 1971.

He first radio play was broadcast in 1957, and later wrote a TV adaptation of Laurie Lee's Cider With Rosie. Other adaptations include ITV's lavish 11-part serial Brideshead Revisited, his own best-selling novel Summer's Lease and A Voyage Round My Father, a portrayal of his blind father, who was also a barrister.

His other well-known screen creations included obnoxious Conservative MP Lesley Titmuss, portrayed by actor David Threlfall.

Sir John was knighted in 1998.

Source: BBC Obit