JCIO 54/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Deputy District Judge Charles Crow with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct requires judicial office-holders to show respect for the law and maintain the reputation and good standing of the judiciary. Judge Crow reported that he had received a total of nine penalty points on his driving licence arising from three separate speeding offences between November 2023 and March 2026.

With Judge Crow’s consent, this matter was considered under the expedited process in the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023. The expedited process allows the JCIO to advise the Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice that formal advice or a formal warning should be issued where the facts are not in dispute, and the conduct is very likely to amount to misconduct warranting one of those outcomes.

Deputy District Judge Crow’s representations

Judge Crow apologised and stated that he was embarrassed by his conduct. He accepted responsibility for the offences and acknowledged that they amounted to misconduct. He explained that the offences occurred while travelling to or from court and that rushing had been a contributing factor.

He outlined steps taken to prevent recurrence, including greater use of public transport, improved time management, and increased use of speed-limiting controls when driving.

Decision

The Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with the JCIO’s recommendation to issue Judge Crow with formal advice. In reaching this decision, they took into account the repeated nature of the offences together with the judge’s acknowledgment of wrongdoing, remorse, and steps taken to mitigate future risk.
 

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