JCIO 47/25

   

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 Dr Amy Delicate JP with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

All magistrates, upon appointment, sign a declaration and undertaking that includes a commitment to conduct themselves with circumspection and to uphold the reputation and good standing of the magistracy. The Guide to Judicial Conduct further requires all judicial office holders to act impartially and to treat others with courtesy, tolerance, and respect.

During a family court hearing, Dr Delicate was alleged to have displayed inappropriate behaviour, including desk banging, audible sighing, and swearing. Witnesses reported that she appeared to have a negative attitude towards one of the parties and was visibly frustrated throughout the proceedings. .


Dr Delicate’s representations

Dr Delicate denied any bias or misconduct, stating that any swearing or signs of frustration were unintentional. She apologised if such behaviour occurred. She attributed the stress and confusion during the hearing to incomplete court bundles and the late provision of legal advice, and suggested that some of her actions may have been misinterpreted.

Dr Delicate highlighted her five-year unblemished record as a magistrate and noted that the bench reached a unanimous decision. She expressed regret for any distress caused, acknowledged the perspectives of others, and committed to reflection and learning.

Nominated committee member’s findings

A nominated member of the West Midlands & Warwickshire Conduct Advisory Committee found that Dr Delicate’s behaviour included the deliberate use of inappropriate language, audible sighing, and prolonged eye contact directed at a party—conduct which multiple witnesses interpreted as expressions of frustration and partiality.

The nominated committee member recommended that Dr Delicate receive formal advice for misconduct. While the hearing itself was not disrupted and the outcome remained unaffected, her behaviour caused embarrassment to court staff and negatively impacted the working environment. Although she offered a qualified apology and had an otherwise unblemished record, she did not demonstrate full insight into the implications of her conduct.

Decision

Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor concluded that a sanction of formal advice was reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances. 
 

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