JCIO 02/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lord Chancellor, with the Lady Chief Justice’s agreement, has removed Ms Neelam Saddique of the West Yorkshire Bench from office for failure, without a reasonable excuse, to meet the minimum sittings required of a magistrate.

Facts

On appointment, magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking, which includes a commitment to complete the required minimum number of sittings or, if they fail to do so without an acceptable reason, resign. They are also expected to maintain regular contact with their bench chair and frequently check the digital sittings rota.

The summary process in the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023 enables a conduct advisory committee secretary to recommend a magistrate’s removal from office without further investigation for failing, without reasonable excuse, to meet the minimum sitting requirements of their role. Ms Saddique was appointed to the magistracy in July 2023. She has not undertaken any sittings since her appointment. Despite a number of attempts to contact her to discuss her lack of sittings, she failed to provide a reason for her lack of sittings.

Decision

After careful consideration, the Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed to remove Ms Saddique from office. 
 

Notes for Editors

Media queries in relation to the JCIO should be made in the first instance to the Judicial Press Office - telephone 020 7073 4852 or via email - press.enquiries@judiciary.gsi.gov.uk 

Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office-holders are set out in the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. They are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.

For more information about the Office, including details on how to make a complaint against a judicial office holder, you can visit the JCIO website at: Judicial Conduct Investigations website