NORFOLK JUDGE WHO DESCRIBED SEXUAL PREDATOR AS 'JACK THE LAD' REBUKED
A part-time judge who referred to a convicted sex offender as "Jack the lad" during a sentencing hearing has faced strong criticism from a Court of Appeal judge.The incident occurred at Norwich Crown Court in April, where Recorder John Hardy was presiding over the case of Aaron Hewson, aged 33, who was convicted of three sexual assault charges.
During the sentencing, Recorder Hardy made a remark describing Hewson as a "Jack the lad," a phrase often used colloquially to imply a carefree or roguish young man.
This comment drew immediate disapproval from Lady Justice Macur, who was overseeing the appeal hearing held on Thursday.
Lady Justice Macur expressed her strong disapproval of the judge's language, stating that she "deplored" the use of such a phrase in the context of a serious criminal case involving sexual offenses.
Hewson, a resident of Cromer in Norfolk, had been sentenced to three years and 11 months in prison following a trial held earlier in the year.
However, the sentence was later considered unduly lenient, prompting an appeal by the Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson.
The Court of Appeal, comprising three judges Lady Justice Macur, Mrs Justice Cockerill, and Mr Justice Murray reviewed the case and ultimately increased Hewson’s prison term to seven years.
The appellate court found that the original sentence did not adequately reflect the severity of Hewson’s crimes.
The judges concluded that the initial sentencing contained "significant flaws" in the approach taken by Recorder Hardy.
They noted that during the sentencing, the judge had suggested that evidence pointed to Hewson being a "Jack the lad character," a characterisation that the appellate judges found inappropriate given the nature of the offenses.
Hewson’s criminal history includes previous convictions for violence and, as a juvenile, he had been convicted of sex offenses.
Additionally, he admitted to possessing an "extreme" pornographic image, further highlighting the seriousness of his criminal record.
Lady Justice Macur emphasised that the appellate court’s decision was based on the recognition that the original approach to sentencing was flawed.
She stated, "We deplore the judge's description as indicating that the defendant was 'Jack the lad.' This offending was predatory," underscoring the gravity of Hewson’s actions.
The Rape Crisis charity also weighed in on the case, stressing the importance of language when discussing sexual assault.
Jayne Butler, the charity’s chief executive, remarked, "Words or phrases that normalise abusive behaviour or downplay its severity are not only damaging for victims and survivors but for society as a whole.
They play into what we call 'rape culture,' where sexual assault is minimised, accepted or laughed off." She further emphasized the importance of acknowledging the profound impact of sexual violence, stating, "It's crucial that sexual assault, and all forms of sexual violence and abuse, are spoken about in a way that recognises its immense impact on victims and survivors."
