Judge Stephen Holt's policy of being excessively tough on crime has come at a high price. Too many people have been sentenced to prison unnecessarily whilst he has sat as a Judge at Norwich Crown Court. As if that weren't bad enough, too many people have been wrongly held on remand as a result of his decision making.

As just one example I spent 69 days at HMP Norwich where I was subjected to verbal and psychological abuse from both the inmates and staff, one example being that another inmate said to me "You ordered it, if you have a problem go to the wing office. Otherwise shut up." when I complained at the wing office that I was not getting a gluten free diet despite suffering from Coelilac Disease which was declared at reception. As if that weren't bad enough, I was even denied one of my medications for Crohns Disease, which is an illness I suffer from and as a result ended up physically ill. This was clearly noticeable by my mother on visits. After she lobbied for me to be allowed this medication, the prison eventually gave in and provided me with it which significantly helped my health. As if that weren't bad enough I also suffered from Anxiety, Autism and Coeliac Disease which made coping in prison extremely difficult. But when Judge Holt sent me to prison he didn't care. After all he didn't even see it as being his problem! I strongly disagree and believe that Judge Holt should have exercised far more care in deciding whether or not to remand me into custody.

The only solution to ensure that no one goes through this experience again is to ask Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service to immediately dismiss Judge Holt from his post as a Circuit Judge. Not only will this stop Judge Holt doing what he has done so far, it will serve as a warning to other judges which will stop them adopting the same mentality in the courtroom.