JCIO 23/25

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 Mr Peter Chapman JP of the Merseyside Bench with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

On appointment, magistrates sign an undertaking which includes a commitment to complete all essential and compulsory training which may be prescribed by the Lady Chief Justice.

A complaint was made to the North West Conduct Advisory Committee (NWCAC) alleging that Mr Chapman failed to complete five essential e-module training courses, despite several emails being sent to him requesting completion of any outstanding essential training.

Mr Chapman’s representations

Mr Chapman maintained that he had completed all the required training. He stated that he had not received any information regarding outstanding training, and that it had not been his intention to avoid it. Mr Chapman said that he had asked for the links to be sent to him so that he could complete the e-learning, but they had not been provided.

Nominated Committee Member’s findings:

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated committee member found that while Mr Chapman had undertaken some of the essential training modules, a number remained outstanding.

The nominated committee member was satisfied that all reasonable steps had been taken to encourage and assist Mr Chapman to complete the essential training. The nominated committee member took into account that Mr Chapman had completed a “healthy” amount of training, but also that Mr Chapman had been persistent in his refusal to take responsibility to resolve the situation. The nominated committee member made a finding of misconduct and recommended that Mr Chapman receive formal advice.

Decision

Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the recommendation to issue Mr Chapman with formal advice.

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