JCIO 47/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Her Honour Judge Siobhan Kelly with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct reminds judicial office holders to display diligence and care in the discharge of their judicial duties.

The JCIO received a complaint from a party to proceedings that, following a hearing concluded in January 2025, Judge Kelly did not hand down judgment until December 2025.

Her Honour Judge Kelly’s representations

In her representations, Judge Kelly acknowledged that the delay was unacceptable and apologised. She explained that the delay arose in the context of difficult personal circumstances and that she had kept the parties informed but accepted that these matters did not excuse the delay.

Nominated judge’s findings and recommendation

Following an investigation under the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023, a nominated judge found that the delay constituted misconduct. They concluded that, while mitigating factors were present, the delay reflected a failure to exercise the required diligence and care. The nominated judge recommended that the judge receive a sanction of formal advice for misconduct.

Decision

After careful consideration, the Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice agreed with the recommendation to issue Judge Kelly with formal advice. 
 

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