JCIO 18/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office Said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lady Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Mr Robert Gonouya JP with formal advice for misconduct.

Magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment agreeing to inform their bench chair of any involvement they have in impending court proceedings. Magistrates are also advised to avoid personal reference to their position as a magistrate in circumstances where it could be perceived as an attempt to influence or again advantage.

Mr Gonouya, a magistrate from the Nottinghamshire bench, appeared in Nottingham Magistrates Court in July 2023 in relation to a speeding offence. He did not inform his bench chair about the proceedings. When in court, Mr Gonouya referred to his JP status by saying he was a magistrate and was on his way to court when the speeding offence occurred.

Mr Gonouya apologised for not informing his bench chair and explained that he intended to do so after the case had concluded. He mentioned his status as a magistrate in order to explain the circumstances behind the offence and not to gain any favour.

Following an investigation, carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2014, a conduct panel of the Midlands Region Advisory Committee found that Mr Gonouya had breached the declaration and undertaking and that his actions amounted to misconduct. In recommending formal advice, the panel considered that Mr Gonouya had acted naïvely but had learnt from his mistakes and was unlikely to repeat them.

Mr Justice Keehan and Lord Chancellor agreed with the panel’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