JCIO 24/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lord Chancellor, with the Lady Chief Justice’s agreement, has removed Charlotte Pickford of the Avon and Somerset Bench from office for misconduct.

Facts

Magistrates are required to maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy, and to notify bench leadership of any matters relevant to their role or which may affect public confidence in the judiciary.

Miss Pickup’s representations

The South-West Conduct Advisory Committee considered a complaint against Ms Pickford for a failure, over a sustained period, to disclose serious and relevant matters to bench leadership, including a relevant connection to criminal proceedings.

Nominated Committee Member’s findings and recommendation

Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated committee member found that Ms Pickford repeatedly failed to disclose material information, including a connection to criminal proceedings, which was plainly relevant to her judicial role. It was found that she was fully aware of the disclosure requirements but made conscious decisions to withhold key information and/or had presented accounts which were intentionally misleading. The nominated committee member concluded that this amounted to a serious breach of the standards of integrity, transparency and accountability required of a magistrate.

The nominated committee member found that Ms Pickford’s actions amounted to gross misconduct and recommended her removal from office as they considered that her continued service would undermine confidence in the judicial system.

Decision

After careful consideration, the Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice agreed with the recommendation to remove Ms Pickford from office. 
 

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