A judge who called a racist thug a "[bit of a c*]1" after he launched a foul-mouthed tirade at her has been branded a "hero" and a role model for children.**

Judge Patricia Lynch QC was sentencing John Hennigan at Chelmsford Crown Court for his ninth breach of an anti-social behaviour order in 11 years when the exchange took place.

The 50-year-old was in the dock when he told Judge Lynch she was a "bit of a c", to which she responded: "You are a bit of a c yourself. Being offensive to me does not help."

Shouting back, Hennigan said: "Go f* yourself," to which the QC replied: "You too."

Judge Lynch jailed him for 18 months for insulting and making racist slurs against a black Caribbean mother in Harlow, Essex.

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.