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JCIO 42/26
Date: 8 September 2026
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 Farnoosh Shahrokhshahi JP, of the Nottinghamshire Local Justice Area, with formal advice for misconduct.
Facts
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. The Guide to Judicial Conduct 2023 emphasises courtesy, respect and awareness of how their conduct may affect others.
A complaint was made alleging that on a day whilst acting as Presiding Justice, Mr Shahrokhshahi displayed behaviour towards colleagues and a member of staff which the complainant considered to be discourteous and dismissive. This included disregarding fellow magistrates’ views on a case. It was also alleged that he asked a member of staff where they were from and whether they were British. It was also alleged that he was curt and dismissive towards a staff member.
Mr Shahrokhshahi’s representations
In his representations, Mr Shahrokhshahi accepted that he had asked the member of staff where they were from but denied that he had intended to offend or discriminate. He offered to apologise to them.
He denied that he was dismissive towards his fellow magistrates’ views and explained that differing judicial views are part of proper bench deliberation. He also disputed certain facts in relation to the allegation of curt and dismissive behaviour towards a staff member.
Nominated committee member’s findings and recommendation
Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated committee member of the Midlands Conduct Advisory Committee found that certain aspects of Mr Shahrokhshahi’s conduct amounted to misconduct. This included adopting a dismissive approach to fellow magistrates’ views, treating the member of staff in a curt and disrespectful manner, and asking questions of a staff member in a way that drew on their race, namely, by asking them where they were from. The remainder of the complaint was dismissed.
The nominated committee member concluded that Mr Shahrokhshahi had failed to demonstrate appropriate courtesy, respect and awareness of the impact of his behaviour on others. Taking into account mitigating factors, including his previous unblemished disciplinary record and offer of an apology, the nominated committee member recommended that he receive formal advice for misconduct.
Decision
After careful consideration and taking into account Mr Shahrokhshahi’s subsequent apology to the staff member, Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the recommendation to issue him with formal advice.
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
