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A judge has made a formal recommendation of misconduct after asking a defendant why he was carrying a machete “unless you are a sugar plantation owner”.
The Judicial Conduct Investigation Office (JCIO) said District Judge Leo Pyle made the comments during a court hearing, sparking complaints that the comments were inappropriate and raising concerns about the connotation of “plantation” when it comes to black people.
The JCIO said Mr Pyle asked the defendant, “Why do you need to carry a machete in the city center unless you are a sugar plantation owner?”.
The JCIO said he apologized and said the remark was a rhetorical question meant to emphasize that the only place you could carry a machete was on a sugar plantation, not the streets of Sheffield, and that he had not intended to appear biased.
Following an investigation, a designated judge found Mr Pyle’s comments were ill-judged and breached judicial guidance to avoid using language that goes beyond the facts of the case.
The nominated judge found the comment disrespectful of the defendant or his appearance and was considered racially offensive by others.
Mr Pyle’s conduct was said to have fallen short of judicial standards.
The JCIO said the discomfort caused by the comment, Mr Pyle’s sincere apology, his long service and strong relationships with court users were all taken into account when recommending a formal recommendation.