A Bolton arsonist called a judge a "s**g" in a hearing in which she said she thought she heard him say he was going to have her "followed home".   

Joshua Walker, 30, pleaded guilty at Bolton Crown Court on Wednesday, October 30 to committing contempt of court. 

He was indicted on the charge of committing contempt of court by "wilfully insulting an officer of the court", Judge Abigail Hudson. 

Walker, who was already in prison, had been brought before the court earlier in the month on four counts of dwelling burglary and one count of arson, all of which he had pleaded guilty to. 

However, towards the end of sentencing, new information came to light and Judge Hudson decided to adjourn the hearing. 

An annoyed Walker responded: "I'm not f***ing a***d, just sentence me." 

As he moved to exit the dock, he spoke quickly and angrily, including audibly calling the judge a "s**g". 

After he left, she said: "I think I just heard him tell me to 'watch myself', as he is 'going to have me followed home'. 

"You will appreciate why that causes me concern."

On top of the other offences he was to be sentenced for, Judge Hudson said there would need to be a criminal investigation into the alleged contempt of court committed by Walker. 

He reappeared at Bolton Crown Court on October 30 via video link from prison and pleaded guilty. 

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Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said: "The court is concerned that in the past, there has been a failure to cooperate by the defendant in court." 

Defending, Nick Ross described how the court had been within "touching distance" of completing the sentencing last time. 

Judge Clarke said that, due to the contempt, Judge Hudson's ability to "deal with it fairly" would be "impinged", so the sentencing would have to be redone. 

He said: "The sentencing exercise will have to be gone through, the facts of the matters and including the details of the contempt will have to be added. 

"The defendant has admitted various matters before the court, clearly he is more cooperative at the moment, the court is grateful for that. 

"It would be far better if he were to attend in person." 

Mr Ross indicated that he would "prefer that". 

The judge said he needed a "commitment" for him to "appear peacefully before the court". 

His counsel said: "He assures me he will behave." 

Judge Clarke said: "I see notes from previous hearings that has not always been the case. He has a history of refusing to come from his cell or cooperate. 

"If he chooses to not come to court next time, he will be sentenced in his absence. He will be declined the opportunity to participate in his own sentencing hearing." 

He set the sentencing date for November 19, warning Walker: "If you choose not to come, the case will proceed in your absence." 

The defendant replied "nice one" as he left the hearing.