JCIO 116/24

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) James Lewis with formal advice for misconduct.

The expedited process in the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023 enables the JCIO to advise the Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice that an office holder should be issued with formal advice or a formal warning where—

(a) there is no dispute as to the facts set out in the complaint;
(b) the alleged facts relate to conduct which the JCIO considers that the Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice would be very likely to decide amounted to misconduct; and
(c) the JCIO considers that the Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice would be very likely to decide that formal advice or a formal warning is the appropriate disciplinary sanction.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct states that judicial office-holders are expected to show ‘respect for the law and observance of the law’.

DDJ Lewis reported to the JCIO that he had been issued with a fixed penalty notice for using his mobile phone whilst driving a motor vehicle. He received six penalty points and a £200 fine.

Deputy District Judge Lewis’ representations

DDJ Lewis accepted that he had taken the decision to activate the satellite navigation on his mobile phone whilst driving in slow moving traffic. He took full responsibility for his actions and expressed remorse for his actions. DDJ Lewis stated that he has otherwise held a clean driving licence for over 25 years.

DDJ Lewis confirmed that he reported the matter promptly to his leadership judge.

Decision

The Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with advice from the JCIO that formal advice would be a reasonable and proportionate sanction.

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