A JUDGE has attacked a tax on defendants as "ridiculous" after he was forced to order a mentally-ill man to pay £900.
Recorder Ian Lawrie said the man was "never going to pay" the compulsory Criminal Courts Charge.
His comments at Plymouth Crown Court were echoed by a leading defence barrister who said other judges had spoken out against the fee since it was introduced in April.
The man had pleaded guilty to offences including sexual assault and was handed a community order.
Recorder...
