Foul-mouthed response: Judge Patricia Lynch QC hit back at racist thug John Hennigan after he called her a 'bit of a c***'

A judge delivered an expletive-ridden response to a racist thug who hurled abuse at her as he was jailed for insulting a black Caribbean mother.

John Hennigan, 50, was handed an 18 month prison sentence after he breached an ASBO by using racist language towards a woman and her two young children.

During sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Hennigan launched a foul-mouthed tirade at Judge Patricia Lynch QC, saying that she was a 'bit of a c***'.

In response the judge said: 'You are a bit of a c*** yourself'.

Hennigan shouted back: 'Go f*** yourself, to which the judge replied, 'you too'.

Hennigan, of Harlow, Essex, then banged on the glass panel of the dock, performed a Nazi salute and twice shouted 'Sieg Heil' before starting to sing 'Jews gas them all....'

Speaking in a measured tone, Judge Lynch said: 'We are all really impressed. Take him down.'

Vile abuse: John Hennigan, 50, pictured, of Harlow, Essex, was jailed for 18 months after he breached an ASBO by using racist language towards a woman and her two young children

Hennigan was handed an ASBO in April 2005, prohibiting him from acting in an anti-social way or from using racist language.

He pleaded guilty to breaching the order by using racist language towards mother Tanisha Ford and her two children, aged six and eight, as they shopped in Harlow on April 20 last year.

Prosecutor Lynne Shirley told the court that Hennigan stopped Ms Ford and asked whether she needed directions.

Ms Shirley said: 'It seemed a normal conversation and she walked off but as she did Hennigan said "I don't agree with inter-racial relationships. I like natural".

'She was shocked and surprised and asked what he meant. He said, "I prefer white children". She was shocked further.

DISTINGUISHED JUDGE WITH RECORD OF LETTING PAEDOPHILES WALK FREE Judge Patricia Lynch QC was appointed to the bench in 2014 after 14 years as a Recorder, following a distinguished career as a criminal barrister in London which saw her appointed QC in 1998. As a junior tenant, she was appointed to the Attorney General's A-list, instructed to prosecute substantial drug importations and VAT fraud cases. In silk, she became recognised as one of the leading experts in matters involving children and other vulnerable witnesses and defendants. Last August Judge Lynch made headlines when she apologised to two teenage girls after sentencing guidelines prevented her from jailing a pervert who sexually abused them at his animal sanctuary. Judge Patricia Lynch QC admitted that it was with a ‘heavy heart’ that Michael Taylor, 75, was allowed to walk free from court despite abusing the girls, then aged 15 and 17. She has previously been criticised for allowing paedophiles off from jail. Advertisement

'She said her children were natural and he said "I'm just saying". The incident made her feel very upset, hurt, out of place and distressed.'

Hennigan was arrested and police officers later said he made 'very unpleasant' comments while in custody.

Mitigating, Harry Warner urged Judge Lynch to spare Hennigan from immediate custody, saying he could benefit from working with probation.

Mr Warner said: 'He is a rather unfortunate man. He lives alone, is single and has been diagnosed and medicated for depression.'

Sentencing, Judge Lynch said: 'Your offence is thoroughly unpleasant and repeated breaches of this order using the most unpleasant of language and causing distress.

'It's said custody would be distressing for you but it seems you never learn. This is the ninth time you have breached this order, the same offensive, racist comments and you don't deserve another chance.'

Hennigan tried to argue with Judge Lynch before he started swearing and was sent to jail.

This is the latest in a string of breaches of Hennigan's ASBO. He has previously abused a bus driver, pub staff and raised a Nazi salute to a member of the public.

On another occasion he performed a Nazi salute in a central London pub and called black people 'n*****'.