Monarch Elizabeth II Religion Judaism Nationality British Name Nigel Peters | Occupation Judge Role Judge Profession Barrister | |
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Full Name Nigel Melvin Peters Alma mater University of Leicester | ||
Education University of Leicester | ||
Nigel Melvin Peters (born 14 November 1952), styled His Honour Judge Nigel Peters QC, is a British lawyer and a Judge of the Crown Courts of England and Wales.
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Early life
Born at Denmark Hill, London, son of Sidney Peters, he was educated at Hasmonean Grammar School and Leicester University, where he read Law, graduating with the degree of LLB.
Legal career
Peters was called to the Bar in 1976 and was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1997. He became a Recorder in 1998 and a Circuit Judge in 2012. He has been a Bencher of Lincoln's Inn since 2006.
On Monday 5 August 2013, Judge Peters sitting at Snaresbrook Crown Court sentenced Neil Wilson, aged 41, who pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl, to a suspended sentence with no immediate imprisonment, but caused concern in his sentencing remarks when quoting the opening by the prosecution by stating that the girl had contributed by being a "sexual predator". However, after friends of her family petitioned Attorney-General Dominic Grieve QC, the public outcry led to this case being referred to the Court of Appeal for review. Later, the appellate judges overturned Judge Peters' sentence as being "unduly lenient" and revised Wilson's sentence to an immediate two-year prison term. As is customary, the Office of Judicial Complaints launched an investigation into Judge Peters' conduct, given his perceived erroneous consideration of the girl's alleged appearance and behaviour as mitigating factors. However, subsequently all complaints relating to the matter were dismissed by the Judicial Complaints Investigation Office (see JCIO website - News 1 July 2014).
Personal life
A cricket enthusiast, Peters lives in London NW1 and is a member of Marylebone Cricket Club, serving as Chairman of MCC's membership committee.