Law Weblog

Lord Justice Richards again questioned over sexual claims

Wednesday 12 May 2010 at 4:19 am | In News | Post Comment The Times reports that Lord Justice Stephen Richards aged 59, one of the UK’s most senior judges was arrested for another sexual offence last autumn, but prosecutors ruled there was insufficient evidence to take the case to trial. Richards was also cleared of exposing himself on a train three years ago.

The Mail reported on Monday that the  judge was questioned over claims by a woman in her 30s that a man rubbed himself against her during a journey.

It is understood witnesses gave conflicting descriptions of the man responsible and accounts of what happened.

A spokeswoman for the Judicial Communications Office said: “In September 2009 Lord Justice Richards was arrested by the British Transport police. He immediately informed the Lord Chief Justice and agreed not to sit until the investigation was over. He was neither charged nor cautioned. Towards the end of October he was informed that no proceedings would be taken against him. Thereafter he resumed his duties. The judge has nothing further to say on the matter.”