A part-time judge who referred to a convicted sex offender, Aaron Hewson Norfolk paedophile, as “Jack the lad” throughout the sentencing process has received criticism from a judge in the Court of Appeal.
Recorder John Hardy employed the remark while pronouncing the sentence for three counts of sexual assault against Aaron Hewson, aged 33, at Norwich Crown Court in April.
Lady Justice Macur, who presided over an appeal hearing on Thursday, strongly disapproved of Recorder Hardy’s indication.
Aaron Hewson’s sentence was augmented due to its assessment as excessively mild.
The Rape Crisis charity emphasised the significance of language in discussions about sexual assault.
Aaron Hewson, a resident of Cromer, Norfolk, was sentenced to three years and 11 months in prison in April following a trial.
The penalty was raised to seven years by three appeal judges – Lady Justice Macur, Mrs Justice Cockerill, and Mr Justice Murray – at the Court of Appeal. They determined that the original sentence was excessively lenient.
An appeal made by Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson was upheld.
Charles Burton, the legal representative for Aaron Hewson, contended that the sentence was not excessively light and should not be augmented.
During the appeal hearing, the judges were informed that Aaron Hewson had prior convictions for acts of violence and had also been convicted of sexual offences while he was a minor.
He also confessed to holding an image of severe pornography.
Lady Justice Macur stated that the appeal judges had determined that Recorder Hardy’s approach to sentencing had notable deficiencies.
According to her, he mentioned at the sentencing that the evidence revealed Aaron Hewson had a mischievous and playful personality.
“We strongly condemn the judge’s characterisation of the defendant as ‘Jack the lad’,” she stated.
“This act was characterised by predatory behaviour.”
Jayne Butler, the CEO of Rape Crisis, expressed that the usage of words or phrases that normalise abusive behaviour or diminish its seriousness not only harms victims and survivors but also has negative consequences for society as a whole.
“They contribute to the perpetuation of what is commonly referred to as ‘rape culture’, a social environment in which sexual assault is downplayed, tolerated, or treated as a joke.”
“It is imperative to discuss sexual assault, as well as other types of sexual violence and abuse, in a manner that recognises the profound impact it has on victims and survivors.”
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