JCIO 27/24

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 Justin Johnson JP, of the North London Bench, with a reprimand for misconduct. This was after he failed, without reasonable excuse, to return to active duties following a period of authorised absence and also after he had failed to maintain contact with his bench chair to discuss his return to sitting.

On appointment, magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking, which includes a commitment to complete the required minimum number of sittings or, if they fail to do so without acceptable reason, resign.

He has not met his minimum sitting requirements since 31 December 2022.

An investigation was carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2014. In recommending Mr Johnson be issued with a reprimand, a disciplinary panel concluded that Mr Johnson did not provide a reasonable explanation to address why he had not returned to sitting or why he had not maintained contact with his bench chair.

Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the recommendation to issue Mr Johnson with a reprimand.

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