JCIO 48/25

   

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 Ms Gillian Sebright JP with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct reminds judicial office holders to be “courteous, patient, tolerant and respect the dignity of all”. The Guide also reminds judicial office holders to treat others fairly and respectfully and to build effective working relationships with colleagues.

A member of His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals staff made a complaint that during a hearing in open court, Ms Sebright had spoken to them and to another member of staff in an inappropriate and accusatory tone. It was also alleged that Ms Sebright made an insensitive and diminishing remark when the complainant expressed concerns that the court may not finish on time due to management of the court list, and that they wished to finish on time to enable the observance of their religious beliefs.

Ms Sebright’s representations

Ms Sebright recounted that on the day in question, she had experienced some frustrations due to a number of events which occurred in court. However, she nevertheless accepted that her actions had fallen below the high standards expected of a judicial office holder, for which she sincerely apologised. Ms Sebright expressed regret and also acknowledged the effect of her actions and the upset felt by the complainant. Ms Sebright emphasised that she would never intentionally cause offence to another person in relation to their religious beliefs.

Nominated Committee Member’s findings

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023, a nominated committee member of the North-West Region Conduct Advisory Committee found that Ms Sebright had breached the Guide. The nominated committee member found that while Ms Sebright had been reckless in how she expressed herself, she had not intended to behave in a rude and belittling way. However, the nominated committee member found that the manner of her communication towards the staff members was brusque and inappropriate. Her comment about the member of staff’s religious observance was also found to be diminishing.

In recommending a sanction of formal advice, the nominated committee member acknowledged that Ms Sebright had a 20-year unblemished record of service as a magistrate.

Decision

Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated committee member that formal advice would be a reasonable and proportionate sanction 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