Teesside District Judge Chris Smith is facing calls to to be stripped of his role as a Judge after questions are said to have emerged over his alleged 'unduly lenient' sentencing of a convicted child rapist....
20th Jan 2025
A Teesside District Judge who handed down what's said to have been 'an unduly lenient' sentence to a Child Rapist is facing calls to be stripped of his role, as the case is set to be reviewed by the Court of Appeal. The Attorney General has reportedly referred the case of Hartlepool Man Dominic Legg, convicted in November 2024 to the Court of Appeal for a review of his sentence, with the Attorney General arguing that Legg was handed an unduly lenient sentence by the Teesside Judge given the gravity of his crimes.
Dominic Legg, formally of Owton manor Lane in Hartlepool, was sentenced to five years and nine months in a young offenders institution back in November 2024 for a catalogue of sexual offences, including three counts of raping a child under the age of 13. During the original sentencing hearing last year, the court heard that Legg, who had no prior criminal convictions had supposedly endured a “difficult” childhood and had experienced the loss of several close family members in recent years.
Handing down Sentence, Judge Chris Smith stated Legg’s crimes demonstrated a disturbing tendency to “enjoy exerting power and control,” prompting many to question how such a sentence could then be deemed appropriate for offences of this severity. Although Legg’s sentence handed down by the Teesside Judge was said to include a lifetime notification requirement and restraining orders to protect his victims, concerns were said to remain about the leniency of the punishment handed down to him by the Teesside District Judge. The victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to their age, are said to be protected under these orders, but many argue that justice has not been served.
Previous Concerns Over Judge In The Sentencing in a Burglary Case....
Its reportedly not the first time Judge Chris Smith’s judgements have come under fire. Back in June 2024, its claimed he spared a 17-year-old from jail despite the youth being found guilty of burgling two homes in Stockton-on-Tees. During one of the incidents, the teen reportedly carried a “sharp implement” and confronted a woman in her home before fleeing.
Although Judge Smith acknowledged the seriousness of the offences, he described the teenager as a “bright and capable lad” who could potentially inspire others. Instead of imposing a custodial sentence, the judge issued a warning, telling the boy, “Don’t play the lottery for a few months because all your luck has run out today.” This decision was said to have raised eyebrows, with critics accusing the judge of having a “soft spot” for young offenders and prioritising rehabilitation over justice for victims.
Calls for a Judicial Misconduct Panel to Investigate the Judges Activities...
The repeated concerns over Judge Smith’s sentencing decisions have led to calls for an investigation into potential judicial misconduct. Critics argue that his lenient approach undermines public confidence in the judiciary and fuels perceptions that Teesside Court is failing victims of serious crimes. Some have even gone so far as to label Teesside Court as a “kangaroo court,” questioning whether Judge Smith is fit to preside over such significant cases.
The Judicial Misconduct Investigations Panel may now face pressure to review Judge Smith’s record and assess whether his approach aligns with the standards expected of someone in his position. For many, the stakes are clear: ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done in Teesside’s courts.
This ongoing case serves as a stark reminder of the broken trust in the justice system and the importance of holding judges accountable when their decisions come into question, especially those where serious crimes of a sexual nature leave victims questioning whether justice was actually served, or whether the offender was made to look the victim ?
Have your Say.....
Should Judges found to have handed down unduly lenient sentences against criminals be ousted from their Job ?
YES
NO