JCIO 102/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued District Judge Colin Bosman (‘DJ Bosman’) with formal advice for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct states that judicial office-holders are expected to display diligence and care in the discharge of judicial duties.

A complaint was made to the JCIO by a party to proceedings that DJ Bosman had delayed approving an order following a financial remedy hearing, which took place 12 months prior to the complaint. The complainant alleged that this had caused significant financial prejudice.

DJ Bosman’s representations

DJ Bosman accepted responsibility for the delay and provided a written apology. In mitigation he explained that he did not receive the draft order from the parties until four months after the hearing. He cited a heavy workload and admitted that he lost sight of the case. DJ Bosman also stated that he had set up a new system to ensure work is completed in a timely manner.

Nominated judge’s findings

Following an investigation carried out under The Judicial Conduct Rules 2023, a nominated judge found that DJ Bosman’s delay of eight months for the approval of the order was a breach of the standards of conduct expected of a judicial office holder. The nominated judge also found that the complainant had clearly been disadvantaged by the excessive delay in the order being approved.

In recommending formal advice, the nominated judge acknowledged that DJ Bosman was under a heavy workload, had not intended the delay and had apologised. The nominated judge also took into consideration the fact that DJ Bosman had put steps in place to ensure that the issue would not be repeated in future.

Decision

Having considered the mitigation offered by DJ Bosman, the Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated judge’s recommendation.

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