Are the words 'absolute scum' appropriate for a magistrate?

[soloman]

I believe they were and the magistrate concerned has explained why here:-

Magistrate stands by 'scum' comment - Yahoo! News UK

It seems it was the action of the court clerk which started this furore. I believe she overstepped the mark. I sincerely hope the magistrate concerned continues to serve the community, as he seems very much in touch with life today!

[manrow]

I believe they were and the magistrate concerned has explained why here:-

Magistrate stands by 'scum' comment - Yahoo! News UK

It seems it was the action of the court clerk which started this furore. I believe she overstepped the mark. I sincerely hope the magistrate concerned continues to serve the community, as he seems very much in touch with life today!

It seems to me that the language written by the individuals concerned was absolutely disgusting. That doesn't make the magistrates remarks acceptable, but apparently he used the words in the thread title as they were more likely to be understood by youngsters of the individuals ages.