The Honourable Mr Justice Stephen Rawley
Encyclopedia
The Honourable Mr Justice Stephen Rawley, played by the late Maurice Denham
, was featured in two episodes of the television series Porridge
: "Poetic Justice" and "Rough Justice". He was waiting for his appeal to come through, having been indicted on charges of:
Fletcher
says that these charges are merely "legal mumbo jumbo" being used to hide the fact that Rawley has been charged with "bribery
and corruption
".
He is revealed to be a friend of the governor of the prison and is informed that he will have to share a cell with Fletcher and Godber
.
As the first plot unfolds it is discovered that Rawley was responsible for sending Fletcher to prison in the first place as he was the judge at Fletcher's trial. Fletcher observes "When a judge sentences you to five years, you don't expect 'im to move in with you, do you?".
Rawley is given a "cushy" job in the prison whilst Harris
is made to look after the pigs on the prison farm.
Near the end of the episode, McClaren
, Harris and another inmate attempt to attack Rawley in an empty cell. However, Fletcher arrives on the scene and intervenes, advising them to remain on good terms with a friend of the governor.
It is eventually revealed that Rawley's appeal has come through and he leaves the prison a free man after the "Rough Justice" episode.
The judge can be heard sentencing Fletcher to his current sentence during the title sequence. The voice heard is actually that of Ronnie Barker
, not Maurice Denham.
Maurice Denham
Maurice Denham OBE was an English character actor who appeared in over 100 television programmes and films throughout his long career.-Life and career:...
, was featured in two episodes of the television series Porridge
Porridge (TV series)
Porridge is a British situation comedy broadcast on BBC1 from 1974 to 1977, running for three series, two Christmas specials and a feature film. Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, it stars Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale as two inmates at the fictional HMP Slade in Cumberland...
: "Poetic Justice" and "Rough Justice". He was waiting for his appeal to come through, having been indicted on charges of:
- Being a party to criminal conspiracy
- Forgery of legal documents under the Forgery Act 1913Forgery Act 1913The Forgery Act 1913 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.This Act was repealed for England and Wales and Northern Ireland by section 30 of, and Part I of the Schedule to, the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981...
and 1948, and - Accepting illicit payments as an Officer of the Crown
Fletcher
Norman Stanley Fletcher
Norman Stanley "Fletch" Fletcher is the main character in the popular BBC sitcom Porridge, and the less-successful spin-off, Going Straight...
says that these charges are merely "legal mumbo jumbo" being used to hide the fact that Rawley has been charged with "bribery
Bribery
Bribery, a form of corruption, is an act implying money or gift giving that alters the behavior of the recipient. Bribery constitutes a crime and is defined by Black's Law Dictionary as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official or...
and corruption
Political corruption
Political corruption is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by...
".
He is revealed to be a friend of the governor of the prison and is informed that he will have to share a cell with Fletcher and Godber
Lennie Godber
Leonard Arthur "Lennie" Godber was a character in the popular BBC sitcom Porridge. He was played by Richard Beckinsale.Godber is from Birmingham, supports Aston Villa F.C., has an O Level in geography, and studies for a history O Level while in prison. Before he was arrested he shared a flat with...
.
As the first plot unfolds it is discovered that Rawley was responsible for sending Fletcher to prison in the first place as he was the judge at Fletcher's trial. Fletcher observes "When a judge sentences you to five years, you don't expect 'im to move in with you, do you?".
Rawley is given a "cushy" job in the prison whilst Harris
Harris (Porridge)
Harris was a character in the popular BBC sitcom Porridge. He was played by Ronald Lacey.A middle-aged Teddy Boy with a fish face and ginger hair, Harris, much like 'Horrible' Ives is loathed by wardens and prisoners alike. He is a thief, a cheater and bullies anyone whom he deems to be weaker than...
is made to look after the pigs on the prison farm.
Near the end of the episode, McClaren
McClaren (Porridge)
Jim McClaren was a character in the popular BBC sitcom Porridge played by Tony Osoba.McClaren, who claims to have been adopted, is Black and also Scottish. This led to a string of racist abuse when he first arrived at Slade prison. Fletch also attacks him for being Scottish in a manner similar to...
, Harris and another inmate attempt to attack Rawley in an empty cell. However, Fletcher arrives on the scene and intervenes, advising them to remain on good terms with a friend of the governor.
It is eventually revealed that Rawley's appeal has come through and he leaves the prison a free man after the "Rough Justice" episode.
The judge can be heard sentencing Fletcher to his current sentence during the title sequence. The voice heard is actually that of Ronnie Barker
Ronnie Barker
Ronald William George "Ronnie" Barker, OBE was a British actor, comedian, writer, critic, broadcaster and businessman...
, not Maurice Denham.