JCIO 08/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued District Judge Allan Pickup with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct states that judicial officeholders are expected to display diligence and care in the discharge of judicial duties.

The JCIO received a complaint alleging that Judge Pickup delayed drawing an order following a hearing in December 2024. The order was not drawn until June 2025, despite enquiries from the parties and reminders from the court office. The delay of more than seven months meant that Cafcass were unable to commence their safeguarding work within the 16 week period referenced at the hearing.

District Judge Pickup’s representations

While citing several pressures of work, including heavy daily lists and significant paper and digital boxwork in mitigation, Judge Pickup accepted that the delay in issuing the order was unacceptable and apologised to the parties. He stated that he had since taken steps to ensure that similar oversights do not occur again.

Nominated Judge’s findings and recommendation

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023, a nominated judge found that there had been a delay of more than 28 weeks by Judge Pickup in drawing the order. The nominated judge found that Judge Pickup had failed to display diligence and care in the discharge of judicial duties and that his actions amounted to misconduct.

In recommending that he be issued with formal advice, the nominated judge took into consideration the fact that Judge Pickup had taken full responsibility for his actions and that he had a previously unblemished conduct record.

Decision

The Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated judge’s recommendation to issue Judge Pickup with formal advice. 
 

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