MANCHESTER – The cross-dressing judge will no longer wear a robe.

Robert Somma, the federal bankruptcy judge caught drunk driving in the Queen City, was reconsidering the resignation he tendered after he was arrested in a cocktail dress, fishnet stockings and high heels in February.

But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit announced yesterday that Somma "is leaving to pursue other endeavors."

It was described as a mutual agreement. "The court appreciates the service that Judge Somma has rendered," the two-sentence statement concluded.

Deputy Circuit Executive Susan Goldberg said last night she did not have anything to add to the announcement. She said she did not know where Somma is going, or what endeavors he would be pursuing.

Somma, of Newbury, Mass., resigned after being arrested Feb. 6 for crashing his Mercedes-Benz E320 into the back of a truck stopped at a red light on Elm Street. No injuries were reported.

The arresting officer reported that Somma had reached into "his purse" for identification.

The New Hampshire Union Leader later learned Somma, at the time of the crash, was dressed in drag and had just left a local gay bar.

Somma pleaded guilty to drunk driving under a plea deal that required up to a 12-month license suspension and $600 in fines.

He had reconsidered his resignation after receiving support from colleagues, lawyers and friends.

The court also said Somma had an excellent record since he was appointed to the Boston-based job in 2004.

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