JCIO 55/25

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued District Judge (Magistrates Court) Leo Pyle (‘DJMC Pyle’) with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct states that judicial office holders should seek to be courteous, patient, tolerant and punctual and should respect the dignity of all. It also highlights that judges should ensure that no one in court is exposed to any display of bias or prejudice from any source. The Statement of Expected Behaviour reminds judicial office holders they have a responsibility to help foster a positive working environment, where diversity is recognised and valued, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The JCIO received a complaint about the following comment made by DJMC Pyle during a hearing, when addressing a defendant with a dark skin tone, “Why would you need to carry a machete in the town centre unless you are a sugar plantation owner”. The complainant considered the comment to be inappropriate, citing concerns about the connotations associated with references to ‘plantation’ in relation to Black individuals.

DJMC Pyle’s representations

DJMC Pyle apologised for his comment and stated that he did not mean to display an overt or unconscious bias. DJMC Pyle explained that the remark was in the form of a rhetorical question to stress that the only place to carry a machete was on a sugar plantation and not the streets of Sheffield. It was said to emphasise how serious and dangerous it was to be in possession of such an article.

Nominated Judge's Findings

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023, a nominated judge found that in making the comment, DJMC Pyle did not consider the inappropriateness of the remark, but that he had made the comment to add emphasis to his determination of the matter before him. The nominated judge found that the comment was ill-judged and contrary to judicial training on avoiding language that moves beyond the facts of any case. The nominated judge found that the comment was not respectful of the defendant or their appearance, and that it was perceived by others as racially pejorative. The nominated judge determined that DJMC Pyle’s conduct fell below the high standards expected of the judiciary.

In recommending a sanction of formal advice, the nominated judge took into account the upset and offence caused but also considered DJMC Pyle’s sincere apology and his long service with excellent working relationships with court users.

Decision

Having considered the nominated judge’s report, the Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated judge’s recommendation to issue DJMC Pyle 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