Judge Copping Heat For Stanford Rape Sentence Removed From Another Sex Assault Case

Trigger warning: this article discusses rape and sexual assault.

The judge who handed down the much-criticised six-month sentence to Stanford rapist Brock Turner has been removed from another sex assault case.

According to NBC News, the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office filed a motion to disqualify Persky from an upcoming trial, saying in a statement, “we lack confidence that Judge Persky can fairly participate in this upcoming hearing.”

“In the future, we will evaluate each case on its own merits and decide if we should use our legal right to ask for another judge in order to protect public safety and pursue justice.”

The upcoming case will see a male nurse tried for allegedly sexually assaulting a female patient under anaesthetic.

Persky’s removal follows reports that several potential jurors have told the judge they would be unable to serve on his juries, on account of their anger at his lenient sentencing of Turner.

He is also facing an online petition that calls for him to be recalled. It has garnered more than 1.2 million digital signatures.

Over the weekend, Stanford’s graduating class widely protested the university’s handling of sexual assault on campus, as well as Brock Turner’s sentencing.

One of the jurors from the Stanford rape case has also spoken out against Persky's ruling, sending him a letter saying they were "absolutely shocked and appalled".

"After the guilty verdict I expected that this case would serve as a very strong deterrent to on-campus assaults, but with the ridiculously lenient sentence that Brock Turner received, I am afraid that it makes a mockery of the whole trial and the ability of the justice system to protect victims of assault and rape."

It ends with just three words: "Shame on you."

Are you experiencing sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available right now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

For more information on counselling and treatment plans you can contact your school’s health services as well as Reach Out.

Photo: Change.