Complaints have been made against a judge who called a racist thug "a bit of a c***."
Judge Patricia Lynch QC made the remark when sentencing John Hennigan at Chelmsford Crown Court for his ninth breach of an anti-social behaviour order in 11 years after racially abusing a Caribbean mother.
The 50 year-old criminal was in the dock when he told the judge she was "a bit of a c***".
Judge Lynch responded with: "You are a bit of a c*** yourself. Being offensive to me doesn't help."
Mr Hennigan then told the judge: "Go f*** yourself", to which she replied: "You too."
The Judicial Conduct Investigations (JCIO) office, which handles complaints made about judges both inside and outside court, has confirmed that complaints have been made about Judge Lynch,
A JCIO spokesman said: "The JCIO has received complaints regarding HHJ (Her Honour Judge) Patricia Lynch's comment in court which will be considered in accordance with the Judicial Conduct (Judicial and other office holders) Rules 2014."
The spokesman added that the JCIO would not comment on how many complaints had been made and the circumstances.
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."
Luke Farley said: "Hats off to Judge Patricia Lynch. I think it was a reasonable response given the vile racist in front of her."
Marc Thomas posted: "It is a bit hard to give children role models nowadays but Judge Patricia Lynch QC is definitely one."
