JCIO 22/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Ms Julieanne Welch JP, a magistrate on the West Glamorgan bench, with a formal warning for misusing her judicial status.

Facts

Magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment, which includes an agreement to be circumspect in their conduct and maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy at all times, in their private, working and public lives. In addition, Useful Information for Magistrates (2020) states:

“Great care should be taken to avoiding personal reference to your position as a magistrate in circumstances where it could be perceived as an attempt to influence or gain advantage.”

A complaint was made to the Wales Conduct Advisory Committee that Ms Welch had misused her judicial status on two occasions, verbally and in writing, in the context of a private dispute with other individuals.

Ms Welch’s representations

In her representations, Ms Welch denied the allegations. She said she did not use the JP suffix outside of the courtroom and had not divulged her status as a magistrate.

Nominated Committee Member’s findings

Following an investigation in accordance with The Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated committee member of the Wales Conduct Advisory Committee found that Ms Welch had made reference to her judicial status to gain influence, and that this amounted to misconduct They recommended that she be issued with a sanction of formal warning.

Decision

Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated committee member’s findings and recommendation and issued Ms Welch with a formal warning. 
 

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