Judge Nicholas Rowland, who has faced severe criticism for sparing three teenage travellers from detention after they were convicted of raping a schoolgirl, has a history of lenient sentencing in other serious cases. The judge did not jail a convicted sex offender caught with extreme pornography and gave a speeding drug driver who killed a cyclist less than two years in prison.
Community Order for Sex Offender
In 2023, Daniel Rushton received a suspended sentence for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child online. He was arrested again after software installed on his mobile phone as part of a sexual harm prevention order flagged three images depicting bestiality. Last month, Judge Rowland gave Rushton a 12-month community order for that offence.
Drug Driver Jailed for 21 Months
In another case, Judge Rowland jailed Kornel Marcinek for just 21 months after he killed a cyclist while driving under the influence of marijuana. Marcinek smashed into Joe Burton from behind in his BMW, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone. Mr Burton, a 33-year-old electrician from Southampton, had been married for only three months. His widow said: 'I don't really have a reason to get up in the morning.'
Suspended Sentences for Thieves
In 2024, Judge Rowland gave suspended sentences to two thieves who stole £76,000 worth of jewellery from a cruise ship.
Political Reaction
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'This judge should be fired. Letting off repeat gang rapists with no prison sentence is appalling. The sick youths who did this even filmed themselves and laughed while gang raping school girls. They should be jailed – as punishment and as a deterrent. Otherwise others will think they can do this with impunity. Now it turns out the judge who let them off has form for leniency in similar cases. It's clear to me that this judge should not be allowed to continue.' It is unclear whether any of these judgements were sent to the Attorney General for review.
