The pair, UK brothers Daniel and Samuel Sledden, have been called back into court after mocking judge Beverley Lunt on Facebook less than two hours after receiving suspended prison terms for dealing drugs. Within 40 minutes of leaving court, Accrington man Samuel Sledden, 22, wrote: 'What a day it's been in Burnley crown court! Up ur **** aha nice 2 year suspended...' Around an hour later, his elder brother Daniel followed, insulting the judge: 'Cannot believe my luck 2 year suspended beats 3 year jail yes pal!' Judge Lunt concluded that the Facebook comments could not be viewed as contempt of court as they happened after the Sledden brothers' hearing, nor did they constitute harassment as she said 'it's plain they were never intending for me to see it.' However, as remorse and contrition were 'a vital element' of her sentencing, Judge Lunt has opted to resentence the pair. 'It is the issue of suspension,' she said. 'Would I have done so if I had known, as I do now, their true views and what they really thought of the court proceedings?' The pair will face Judge Lunt's review on February 26.
Sources: Australasian Lawyer; The Guardian
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