JCIO 30/26

   

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 Roberta Buckingham JP with a formal warning for misconduct.

Facts

The declaration and undertaking, which all magistrates sign upon appointment, requires magistrates to maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy.

The Guide to Judicial Conduct also reminds office holders to seek to be courteous, patient, tolerant and punctual and to respect the dignity of all, and to display respect for and observance of the law. The Statement of Expected behaviour states that office holders should treat others fairly and respectfully, act professionally and courteously, be aware of how their words and behaviour can affect others, remain patient and tolerant when encountering difficult situations, and be careful not to abuse their authority.

A complaint was made that Ms Buckingham engaged in bullying and harassing behaviour towards a colleague and made disparaging remarks about them. It was further alleged that Ms Buckingham had improperly disclosed confidential information relating to the conduct investigation to a third party.

Ms Buckingham’s representations

Ms Buckingham denied the allegations, stating that she considered herself to be the victim of harassment and discrimination by the colleague, whom she believed held a grudge against her.

She accepted that she shared information relating to the conduct investigation but maintained that she did so in good faith, believing the third party already had prior knowledge of the conduct investigation and that the information was therefore not confidential. She denied making any derogatory comments.

Nominated Committee Member’s findings and recommendation

Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated member of the South-East Conduct Advisory Committee found that Ms Buckingham had, over a period of months, engaged in behaviour which was demanding, disrespectful, pressurising, accusatory or unprofessional towards a colleague.

The nominated member further found that Ms Buckingham improperly disclosed confidential information about the conduct investigation and referred to her colleague in disparaging terms to a third party.

The conduct was found to amount to serious misconduct. The nominated member recommended that Ms Buckingham receive a reprimand, having considered her previously unblemished conduct record over 17 years.

Decision

After careful consideration, the Lord Chancellor and Mr Justice Keehan disagreed with the recommendation to issue Ms Buckingham with a reprimand. They decided that, based on the facts, and Ms Buckingham’s previous conduct record, a formal warning would be appropriate. 
 

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