A JUDGE has blasted the probation service after he was told a man who lost his temper and attacked a workmate was not eligible for an anger management course – because he didn’t have enough convictions.
Judge Peter Kelson QC spoke out as he sentenced Andrew Hodgson, 24, for punching and kneeing the victim in the face leaving him with a scar – over a £20 petrol money debt.
The incident happened on the Butterthwaite Estate in Sheffield where both men worked.
Judge Kelson said: “It’s a matter of great dismay to me the probation service thinks you are not suitable for a Controlling Anger and Learning to Manage it course because of your low number of previous convictions.
“The same person tells me in the same report the defendant has an inability to manage anger.
“The person who diagnoses the condition recognises the benefit of anger management courses, you obviously need an anger management course but it seems the thinking is you should go out and do it again.
“I think it’s nonsense, I think it’s ridiculous, I think it’s outrageous and I don’t understand it.”
Hodgson, of Radcliffe Close, Bentley, Doncaster, admitted assault and was given a suspended six-month prison sentence, two years’ supervision and must pay his victim £2,400 compensation.
A probation spokeswoman said: “He was not eligible for the CALM programme as he doesn’t meet the criteria.”
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