JCIO 29/25

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lord Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Martin Dominique JP with a formal warning for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct advises judicial office-holders to seek to be courteous, patient, tolerant and punctual and should respect the dignity of all. In addition, magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment agreeing to be circumspect in their conduct and to maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy at all times.

In September 2024, a complaint was made by an individual observing proceedings that Mr Dominque had been frustrated, rude, combative and aggressive towards a young litigant in person.

Martin Dominiques JP representations

Mr Domnique denied inappropriate conduct. He admitted making accusatory remarks when questioning the litigant in person but denied being frustrated at any point.

Findings

An investigation was conducted by a nominated committee member who found that the complaint was corroborated by independent witnesses. The nominated committee member found that Mr Dominique’s conduct during the hearing was loud, disrespectful, inappropriate, and breached the standards expected of a judicial office holder. The nominated committee member took into account that Mr Dominique failed to take responsibility or apologise and also considered that as an experienced magistrate in a leadership role, Mr Dominique’s behaviour involved an abuse of authority. In recommending formal advice, the nominated committee member assessed that Mr Dominique’s behaviour was a single instance of misconduct.

Decision

While agreeing that Mr Dominique’s actions amounted to misconduct, Mr Justice Keehan and Lord Chancellor disagreed with the nominated committee member’s assessment that Mr Dominique’s behaviour constituted a single instance of misconduct. They were of the view that there were multiple instances of misconduct by Mr Dominique throughout the hearing, and concluded that a formal warning was the appropriate sanction.

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