Suspend Judge Nicholas Rowland
Suspend Judge Nicholas Rowland
Recent signers:
Jass h and 18 others have signed recently.
The Issue
The recent actions of Judge Nicholas Rowland, a serving judge on the South Western Circuit in the UK, have raised significant concern about his suitability to continue hearing cases, especially those involving sexual violence. His handling of a case involving two teenage rape victims from Fordingbridge has been a source of outrage among communities and advocacy groups.
In this case, Judge Rowland issued sentences that are widely considered to be excessively lenient for the convicted rapists and an individual who recorded and broadcasted their assaults. This decision did not only send a damaging message to victims of sexual violence, but it also undermines public trust in the judicial process meant to deliver justice.
According to the Ministry of Justice's own guidelines, judges are meant to impose sentences that reflect the severity of the crime and provide justice to victims. By failing to do so, Judge Rowland has exhibited a dangerous lack of sensitivity and understanding of the traumatic impact of such crimes on victims.
In 2019, statistics highlighted that only 1.6% of rapes reported to police resulted in a charge or summons. Given these troubling figures, it is critical that the judiciary reflect rigorous standards in sentencing to support victims adequately and deter potential offenders.
Given the gravity of Judge Rowland's actions, it is imperative that the Ministry of Justice take decisive action. He should be suspended with immediate effect from his responsibilities, particularly those involving cases of sexual violence. This step is vital to ensure the safety and protection of women and girls in the South West of England, restoring confidence in the justice system.
We call upon the Ministry of Justice to reevaluate the appointment of Judge Rowland and ensure that those in positions of judicial authority are upholding the highest standards of justice and equality. His continued role in such cases presents an unsettling risk to the community's sense of security and justice.
Please sign this petition to demand accountability and fair justice for all victims of sexual violence.
In this case, Judge Rowland issued sentences that are widely considered to be excessively lenient for the convicted rapists and an individual who recorded and broadcasted their assaults. This decision did not only send a damaging message to victims of sexual violence, but it also undermines public trust in the judicial process meant to deliver justice.
According to the Ministry of Justice's own guidelines, judges are meant to impose sentences that reflect the severity of the crime and provide justice to victims. By failing to do so, Judge Rowland has exhibited a dangerous lack of sensitivity and understanding of the traumatic impact of such crimes on victims.
In 2019, statistics highlighted that only 1.6% of rapes reported to police resulted in a charge or summons. Given these troubling figures, it is critical that the judiciary reflect rigorous standards in sentencing to support victims adequately and deter potential offenders.
Given the gravity of Judge Rowland's actions, it is imperative that the Ministry of Justice take decisive action. He should be suspended with immediate effect from his responsibilities, particularly those involving cases of sexual violence. This step is vital to ensure the safety and protection of women and girls in the South West of England, restoring confidence in the justice system.
We call upon the Ministry of Justice to reevaluate the appointment of Judge Rowland and ensure that those in positions of judicial authority are upholding the highest standards of justice and equality. His continued role in such cases presents an unsettling risk to the community's sense of security and justice.
Please sign this petition to demand accountability and fair justice for all victims of sexual violence.
2,191
Recent signers:
Jass h and 18 others have signed recently.
The Issue
The recent actions of Judge Nicholas Rowland, a serving judge on the South Western Circuit in the UK, have raised significant concern about his suitability to continue hearing cases, especially those involving sexual violence. His handling of a case involving two teenage rape victims from Fordingbridge has been a source of outrage among communities and advocacy groups.
In this case, Judge Rowland issued sentences that are widely considered to be excessively lenient for the convicted rapists and an individual who recorded and broadcasted their assaults. This decision did not only send a damaging message to victims of sexual violence, but it also undermines public trust in the judicial process meant to deliver justice.
According to the Ministry of Justice's own guidelines, judges are meant to impose sentences that reflect the severity of the crime and provide justice to victims. By failing to do so, Judge Rowland has exhibited a dangerous lack of sensitivity and understanding of the traumatic impact of such crimes on victims.
In 2019, statistics highlighted that only 1.6% of rapes reported to police resulted in a charge or summons. Given these troubling figures, it is critical that the judiciary reflect rigorous standards in sentencing to support victims adequately and deter potential offenders.
Given the gravity of Judge Rowland's actions, it is imperative that the Ministry of Justice take decisive action. He should be suspended with immediate effect from his responsibilities, particularly those involving cases of sexual violence. This step is vital to ensure the safety and protection of women and girls in the South West of England, restoring confidence in the justice system.
We call upon the Ministry of Justice to reevaluate the appointment of Judge Rowland and ensure that those in positions of judicial authority are upholding the highest standards of justice and equality. His continued role in such cases presents an unsettling risk to the community's sense of security and justice.
Please sign this petition to demand accountability and fair justice for all victims of sexual violence.
In this case, Judge Rowland issued sentences that are widely considered to be excessively lenient for the convicted rapists and an individual who recorded and broadcasted their assaults. This decision did not only send a damaging message to victims of sexual violence, but it also undermines public trust in the judicial process meant to deliver justice.
According to the Ministry of Justice's own guidelines, judges are meant to impose sentences that reflect the severity of the crime and provide justice to victims. By failing to do so, Judge Rowland has exhibited a dangerous lack of sensitivity and understanding of the traumatic impact of such crimes on victims.
In 2019, statistics highlighted that only 1.6% of rapes reported to police resulted in a charge or summons. Given these troubling figures, it is critical that the judiciary reflect rigorous standards in sentencing to support victims adequately and deter potential offenders.
Given the gravity of Judge Rowland's actions, it is imperative that the Ministry of Justice take decisive action. He should be suspended with immediate effect from his responsibilities, particularly those involving cases of sexual violence. This step is vital to ensure the safety and protection of women and girls in the South West of England, restoring confidence in the justice system.
We call upon the Ministry of Justice to reevaluate the appointment of Judge Rowland and ensure that those in positions of judicial authority are upholding the highest standards of justice and equality. His continued role in such cases presents an unsettling risk to the community's sense of security and justice.
Please sign this petition to demand accountability and fair justice for all victims of sexual violence.
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Petition created on 24 May 2026