JCIO 20/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the agreement of the Lord Chancellor, has issued Mrs Gillian Sebright JP of the Birmingham and Solihull Bench with a formal warning for misconduct.

Facts

Upon appointment, all magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking, which includes a commitment to act with circumspection and to maintain the dignity, reputation, and good standing of the magistracy. Judicial office holders are also expected to treat others fairly and respectfully, and to act professionally and courteously.

Mrs Sebright was the subject of a complaint from a fellow magistrate concerning her conduct in relation to two linked incidents. It was alleged that Mrs Sebright challenged a colleague in front of others about their conduct and, at a subsequent meeting, accused them of misogyny. The complainant said that this behaviour caused them distress.

Mrs Sebright’s Representations

Mrs Sebright stated that she did not deliberately seek to confront her colleague. She explained that her questions were based on intrigue and that her language was not intimidating or accusatory. Mrs Sebright also explained that the subsequent meeting occurred under strained circumstances which led to matters becoming heated. She expressed regret for allowing her upset and frustration to become apparent.

Findings

Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated committee member of the North-West Conduct Advisory Committee concluded that, while some aspects of Mrs Sebright’s conduct in isolation might not have amounted to misconduct, the combined effect of her actions did cross the threshold.

In particular, the making of an allegation of misogyny against a colleague in front of others was found to represent a failure to act in a circumspect manner and to treat a colleague fairly and respectfully. This conduct was therefore found to amount to misconduct, and the nominated committee member recommended a sanction of formal warning.

Decision

After careful consideration, Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed that a formal warning was a reasonable and proportionate sanction in all the circumstances. In reaching this decision, they took into consideration that in late 2025, Mrs Sebright received a sanction of formal advice for speaking to two court officials in an inappropriate manner in open court. 
 

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