JCIO 17/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office Said:

The Lady Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Mr Justice Nicholas Francis with formal advice for misconduct. The Guide to Judicial Conduct requires judicial-office-holders to display diligence and care in the discharge of their judicial duties. A complaint was made after Mr Justice Francis had delayed the issuing of a judgment by 18 months after the hearing had taken place. Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Judicial and other office-holders) Rules 2014, a nominated judge found that his actions amounted to misconduct.

Mr Justice Francis accepted the finding of the nominated judge and expressed his regret at the delay. He explained that at the time he was facing challenging personal circumstances and a busy workload. The Lady Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor took into consideration the mitigating circumstances and agreed with the recommendation to issue Mr Justice Francis 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