JCIO 55/26

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Recorder Kama Melly KC with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct reminds judicial office-holders to show respect for the law and to always act in ways which protect the reputation and good standing of the judiciary.

Recorder Melly KC reported to the JCIO that she had received six penalty points in respect of two speeding offences, each of which resulted in three points being endorsed on her driving licence. Following the conclusion of court proceedings, she had a total of nine penalty points on her licence.

With Recorder Melly KC's consent, this matter was considered under the expedited process in the Judicial Conduct Rules 2023. The expedited process enables 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.

Recorder Melly’s representations

Recorder Melly KC did not dispute the facts of the matter. She stated that the offences occurred on a road where the speed limit had changed from 40mph to 30mph. She explained that her familiarity with the area may have caused her to be less vigilant about the speed signs and that she had not intended to exceed the speed limit. She further stated that the incident had caused her deep regret and embarrassment. She apologised and acknowledged that her conduct had fallen below the standards expected of a judicial office-holder.

Decision

The Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the JCIO's recommendation to issue Recorder Melly KC with formal advice. In reaching this decision, they took into consideration that she had reported the matter to the JCIO, accepted responsibility for her actions and expressed remorse. 
 

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