JCIO investigation found shouting at a colleague and inappropriate political comments amounted to misconduct under the judicial conduct rules
A magistrate has been issued with a formal warning for misconduct after shouting at a colleague and making inappropriate comments in the court retiring room, the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office has confirmed.
According to a disciplinary statement concerning Fiona Williams, the complaint arose from allegations that she displayed anger and frustration towards a colleague and spoke in a patronising manner to parties. A separate concern related to comments on political issues in the retiring room and delaying proceedings by showing personal photographs to colleagues.
Miss Williams admitted shouting at a colleague and acknowledged that she had lost her temper. She expressed regret about the incident and accepted it had been inappropriate to comment on political matters in the retiring room, giving assurances that she would focus on court business in future.
Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated committee member of the Midlands Conduct Advisory Committee concluded that her actions amounted to misconduct and recommended a formal warning.
In deciding the sanction, the committee noted that Miss Williams had served for 29 years without previous disciplinary findings. However, the repeated nature of the incidents and her role as an experienced presiding justice were treated as aggravating factors.
The warning was issued by Mr Justice Keehan, acting on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice, with the agreement of the Lord Chancellor, who share responsibility for judicial discipline.
Sanctions available for judicial misconduct range in severity from formal advice to removal from office, with a formal warning representing a mid-level disciplinary outcome.