JCIO 115/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Deputy District Judge (DDJ) Daniel Dodd with a formal warning for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct requires judicial office holders to notify their leadership judges of any relevant matters which may affect their position or reflect on the reputation and standing of the judiciary at large.

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023 a nominated judge found that DDJ Dodd had failed to comply with the obligation to inform his leadership judges of his involvement in proceedings which could have affected his position or the reputation and standing of the judiciary at large. While those proceedings were ultimately discontinued and therefore did not of themselves give rise to any finding of misconduct, DDJ Dodd’s failure to report his involvement to his leadership judges was a separate conduct issue.

Deputy District Judge Dodd’s representations

In his representations, DDJ Dodd explained that he did not believe he was required to report the matter in question and that he was affected by other personal matters at the time.

Nominated judge’s findings and recommendation

The nominated judge concluded that the requirement was clear and should have been obvious to DDJ Dodd. The nominated judge found that DDJ Dodd’s failure to comply with this requirement amounted to serious misconduct.

In recommending a formal warning, the nominated judge acknowledged the personal difficulties faced by DDJ Dodd at the time, his previously unblemished conduct record, and the fact that the actual risk of reputational damage to the judiciary was mitigated by prompt actions of senior judges after they became aware of the matter.

Decision

Having considered the mitigation offered by DDJ Dodd, the Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated judge’s recommendation.

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