JCIO 45/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the agreement of the Lord Chancellor, has issued Ms Kay Scoresby JP, a magistrate on the East London Bench, with a reprimand for misconduct.

Facts

Upon appointment, all magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking to maintain the dignity, reputation and good standing of the magistracy. Judicial officeholders are required to treat others fairly and respectfully, remain patient and tolerant, and act professionally and courteously, particularly when dealing with vulnerable court users.

Ms Scoresby was the subject of three separate and unconnected complaints concerning her conduct between June 2025 and October 2025.

The first complaint arose from Ms Scoresby’s conduct during Youth Court proceedings. Concerns were raised about her interactions with three separate children appearing before the court. It was alleged that she used inappropriate and inaccurate language and expressed personal opinions in open court. The complaint indicated that one child’s mother felt distressed in relation to the interaction.

The second complaint was made by an adult defendant who appeared before Ms Scoresby. It was alleged that Ms Scoresby displayed a lack of empathy and used inappropriate language. The complaint indicated that the defendant felt demeaned from the interaction.

The third complaint alleged that Ms Scoresby adopted a confrontational manner towards colleagues, expressed strong personal opinions in open court, and made comments to youth defendants which appeared to lack compassion.

Ms Scoresby’s representations

Ms Scoresby challenged the interpretation of her tone and the impact of her remarks and denied many of the criticisms. She accepted that she made an improper comment to an adult defendant and acknowledged that she displayed frustration on occasion, offering limited apologies.

Nominated committee member’s findings and recommendation

Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated committee member of the London Conduct Advisory Committee found the complaints proven on the balance of probabilities and concluded that Ms Scoresby’s conduct amounted to misconduct. In reaching this conclusion, the committee member noted the repeated nature of the behaviour, the impact on vulnerable children, and Ms Scoresby’s limited insight into the effect of her conduct. The nominated committee member recommended that a reprimand be issued.

Decision

After careful consideration, Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed that Ms Scoresby’s conduct amounted to misconduct and issued her 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