A district court judge is on leave after an alleged altercation with a young lawyer involving a crutch.
Judge Anna Johns is on sick leave after a complaint was made about the incident which unfolded during a heated debate with a young lawyer a function in central Auckland's members only Northern Club.
Judge Johns, who sits at the Manukau District Court, was one of a number of judges at the fundraising function for the Rangimarie Trust. Along with High Court judges and senior Queen's Counsel, the event was attended by the cream of Auckland's legal community.
The Herald was told that Judge Johns had been enjoying the evening when she allegedly became embroiled in a debate with a young lawyer.
Judge Johns had recently had hip surgery and was using crutches for support. During the course of the debate, witnesses say the crutches struck the young lawyer.