JCIO 120/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lord Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Ms Andrea Hughes JP with a formal warning for misconduct.

Facts

Magistrates are required to report to their bench if a close relative becomes involved in any criminal or civil proceedings.

In February 2024, Ms Hughes reported that a close relative was arrested for an offence in March 2023, a matter which resulted in court proceedings.

Ms Hughes’ representations

Ms Hughes apologised for the delay in reporting the matter, which she stated caused a large amount of stress upon her. She claimed that the delay was not deliberate but admitted that she should have reported the matter sooner. She had also refreshed her understanding of her responsibilities by reconsidering induction training documents and the key qualities of a magistrate. Ms Hughes stated that she found the magistrate role to be fulfilling and intended to sit more regularly due to upcoming changes to her work pattern.

Nominated committee member’s findings

Following an investigation, a nominated committee member found that Ms Hughes failed to report the matter promptly, and that there was a high potential for reputational harm to the magistracy were it to be known that a close relative of a sitting magistrate was involved in criminal proceedings. It was also noted that the close relative had attended court on three occasions prior to Ms Hughes reporting the matter.

Decision

Having considered the mitigation offered by Ms Hughes, Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated committee member’s recommendation that a formal warning be issued.

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