NT judge lacking sensitivity and courtesy

A judge has been temporarily stood down from youth court duties in Alice Springs after an investigation found he lacked courtesy, patience and sensitivity.

Chief Judge of the Darwin Local Court, Dr John Lowndes, said Judge Greg Borchers' actions reflected poorly on the courts.

"The judge has been found to have engaged in inappropriate judicial conduct, which is unacceptable," Dr Lowndes said.

The Chief Judge began his investigation following several allegations of misconduct, primarily Judge Borchers accusing a youth offender of capitalising on his mother's death to excuse his crimes.

He found this assertion to be false, as well as a number of other complaints raised from the case including that the judge mocked or shamed the youth.

Judge Borchers was cleared of misconduct but Dr Lowndes said some of his language was harsh and misguided, leading to his decision the judge's actions were inappropriate.

"Although another judge may have handled the young person's matter differently, the approach taken by Judge Borchers was within the admittedly broad range of what might be considered legitimate ," Dr Lowndes said.

"I have formed the view that in a number of matters the judge has not demonstrated courtesy, tolerance, patience and sensitivity."

Judge Borchers has been offered counselling to be reinstated to his duties in Alice Springs.