JCIO 27/23

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lord Chancellor, with the Lord Chief Justice’s agreement, has removed Miss Jennifer Larkin JP from the magistracy for failure without a reasonable excuse, to meet the minimum sittings required of a magistrate or to engage with her bench chair to discuss the matter.

On appointment, magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking. In doing so, they make a commitment to sit for at least 13 days (or 26 half days) each year. They are also expected to keep in regular contact with their bench chair and be able to demonstrate commitment and reliability in respect of their duties.

A conduct panel of the Midlands Conduct Advisory Committee found that Miss Larkin had breached these requirements after she failed to return from a period of authorised absence or maintain contact with her bench chair. Miss Larkin did not engage with the disciplinary conduct process. The Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor agreed with the recommendation to remove Miss Larkin from office.

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