Judge hailed after exchange with racist

A judge who called a racist thug a “bit of a c***” after he launched a foul-mouthed tirade at her has been branded a “hero”.

Judge Patricia Lynch QC was sentencing John Hennigan at Chelmsford Crown Court for his ninth breach of an anti-social behaviour order in 11 years when the exchange took place.

The 50-year-old was in the dock when he told Judge Lynch she was a “bit of a c***”, to which she responded: “You are a bit of a c*** yourself. Being offensive to me does not help.”

Shouting back, Hennigan said: “Go fuck yourself,” to which the judge replied: “You too.”

Judge Lynch jailed Hennigan for 18 months for insulting and making racist slurs against a black Caribbean mother in Harlow, Essex.

After news of her four-letter retort circulated, scores of people took to social media to praise her reaction and choice of words — with many branding her a “hero” and an “idol”.

Stan Keaton tweeted: “Judge Patricia Lynch QC has a cracking reply to a racist thug in her courtroom.”

David Duncan added: “What a legend judge Patricia Lynch is,” while Gemma Tomlinson wrote: “I would like to buy judge Patricia Lynch a drink.”

Greg Stone tweeted: “Judge Patricia Lynch, a nation salutes you.”

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, which handles complaints about judges, is yet to comment on whether any complaints have been received about Judge Lynch.