A JUDGE has criticised Grimsby magistrates for not remanding defendants in custody often enough – especially repeat offenders.
Judge Robert Moore launched his attack after hearing that a prolific offender had repeatedly been given bail, despite often committing new offences.
He told Grimsby Crown Court: "Astonishing how often the local magistrates here do not remand in custody."
Judge Moore said the defendant was a "serial offender" and added that his criminal record was so bad that "you can't catch your breath really".
He jailed the thief for a year for a string of offences, including breaching a community order imposed for burglary and theft.
During a previous visit to Grimsby Crown Court, Judge Moore's no-nonsense views – and his willingness to impose prison sentences – proved so popular on the Telegraph's website that he was widely praised by readers and there were calls for him to become Mayor. One comment read: "Judge Moore for Mayor".
He made headlines at the time by expressing amazement at supposedly lenient sentences imposed at Grimsby Crown Court – and asking during a case: "What does it take to get locked up at this court?"
Judge Moore is normally based at Sheffield Crown Court, but visits the Grimsby court several times a year.
Grimsby Magistrates' Court declined to comment on Judge Moore's remark.
It is believed, however, that figures are not kept by courts on issues related to the remand of defendants in custody.
It is regarded as an established principle that decisions on whether to grant bail are made on an individual basis depending on the circumstances of each case.
