JCIO 16/23

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office Said:

The Lord Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued District Judge Sarah Walker with formal advice for misconduct. The Guide to Judicial Conduct requires judicial officeholders to display diligence and care in the discharge of judicial duties.

A complaint was referred to the nominated judge after a member of the public complained that DJ Walker had failed to approve an order in a timely manner, when she was a Deputy District Judge.

In mitigation DJ Walker cited her busy sitting schedule and poor health at the time and apologised. She said she had taken the complaint seriously and had sought advice from her leadership judges to prevent a recurrence.

Following an investigation, the nominated judge found that the judge had not approved the order in a timely manner and failed to immediately recognise the consequences of her inaction.

The Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with the nominated judge’s recommendation. In deciding to issue DJ Walker with formal advice, they took into consideration her apology and the steps she had taken to ensure that a situation like this did not happen again.

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