This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-41449560

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Lavinia Woodward judge complaints dismissed by watchdog Lavinia Woodward judge complaints dismissed by watchdog
(2 days later)
A judicial watchdog has dismissed complaints against a judge who spared an Oxford University student from jail after she stabbed her boyfriend.A judicial watchdog has dismissed complaints against a judge who spared an Oxford University student from jail after she stabbed her boyfriend.
Ian Pringle QC gave Lavinia Woodward a suspended sentence for attacking her then partner in a drunken assault.Ian Pringle QC gave Lavinia Woodward a suspended sentence for attacking her then partner in a drunken assault.
At an earlier hearing the judge said he believed a custodial sentence would damage the 24-year-old's career.At an earlier hearing the judge said he believed a custodial sentence would damage the 24-year-old's career.
The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) said it had rejected three complaints against the judge.The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) said it had rejected three complaints against the judge.
The complaints were in connection with Woodward's case that concluded at Oxford Crown Court on 25 September.The complaints were in connection with Woodward's case that concluded at Oxford Crown Court on 25 September.
A spokesman for the JCIO said: "The complaints were rejected because they related to an independent judicial decision and not conduct."A spokesman for the JCIO said: "The complaints were rejected because they related to an independent judicial decision and not conduct."
According to its website, the watchdog can "only deal with complaints about a judicial office-holder's personal conduct - it cannot deal with complaints about judicial decisions or about case management".According to its website, the watchdog can "only deal with complaints about a judicial office-holder's personal conduct - it cannot deal with complaints about judicial decisions or about case management".
Medical student Woodward had admitted the drunken attack in December at her student accommodation at Christ Church College. Medical student Woodward had admitted the drunken attack in December at her student accommodation at Christ Church college.
Oxford Crown Court heard she was later admitted to a clinic for treatment for addictions to Class A drugs and alcohol, and an eating disorder.Oxford Crown Court heard she was later admitted to a clinic for treatment for addictions to Class A drugs and alcohol, and an eating disorder.
On Monday she was given a 10-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months for inflicting unlawful wounding.On Monday she was given a 10-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months for inflicting unlawful wounding.
The case was the subject of huge debate about inequality in the criminal justice system, prompted by the judge deferring sentencing and describing the attack as "a complete one-off".The case was the subject of huge debate about inequality in the criminal justice system, prompted by the judge deferring sentencing and describing the attack as "a complete one-off".
He had described Woodward as "an extraordinary able young lady" and said a custodial sentence would damage her hopes of becoming a surgeon.He had described Woodward as "an extraordinary able young lady" and said a custodial sentence would damage her hopes of becoming a surgeon.