JCIO 65/25

   

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said: 

The Lord Chancellor, with the Lady Chief Justice’s agreement, has removed Miss Angela Cahill, of the Central London Local Justice Area, from office for failure, without a reasonable excuse, to meet the minimum sittings required of a magistrate.

Facts

On appointment, magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking which includes a commitment to sit for at least 13 days (or 26 half days) a year. If they fail to do so without an acceptable reason, they are expected to resign. They are also expected to maintain contact with their bench chair.

The summary process in the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023 enables a regional conduct advisory committee secretary to recommend a magistrate’s removal from office without further investigation where that magistrate has failed, without a reasonable excuse, to meet their minimum sittings requirement

London Conduct Advisory Committee (LCAC) recommendation

The LCAC recommended Miss Cahill’s removal from office due to her failure to meet the minimum sittings requirement for the last two years and for failing to engage with the bench leadership teams’ attempts to address the shortfall with her. The LCAC considered that there was no realistic prospect of Miss Cahill achieving the minimum sittings as she has cancelled all future sittings and has completely disengaged from the bench.

Miss Cahill’s representations

Miss Cahill did not respond to the LCAC’s recent attempts to contact her about the matter.

Decision

The Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice agreed with the LCAC’s recommendation to remove Miss Cahill from office without further investigation. 
 

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