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“It is completely inappropriate." A judge has reprimanded a woman for her choice of clothing in a Sydney court.

 

A Sydney judge has criticised a female defendant’s choice to wear cut off denim shorts in court.

Sutherland Local Court Magistrate Jayeann Carney asked Barbara Diana Vasconcello Cardenas, 37, if she had a jumper to tie around her waist to cover herself up after the Chilean woman appeared before her for drink-driving charges on Wednesday wearing frayed denim shorts.

 

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“It is completely inappropriate to wear cut off denim shorts up to your thighs in court,” Judge Carney told Vasconcello Cardenas through a Spanish interpreter, according to the Daily Telegraph.

“I’m very tolerant to all types of attire but this is beach attire, what you’re wearing. This is a court. Do you appreciate what I’ve said?”

She asked if Vasconcello Cardenas had a jumper she could tie around her waist. She did not, but the sentencing continued regardless.

Vasconcello Cardenas pleaded guilty to drink driving and was fined $400, disqualified from driving for three months and ordered to hold an interlock licence for 12 months following the disqualification.

The NSW Government’s Justice Department website outlines the court’s dress code.

“Make sure you are dressed neatly,” it reads. “You do not need to wear a suit but you should not wear singlets, thongs, untidy, revealing or ripped clothing.”