JCIO 29/23

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lord Chief Justice, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Mr Justice Derek Sweeting with formal advice for misconduct.

The Guide to Judicial Conduct requires judicial office-holders to display diligence and care in the discharge of judicial duties.

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Judicial and other office-holders) Rules 2014, a nominated judge found that Mr Justice Sweeting had not issued a judgment in a timely manner and failed to immediately recognise the consequences of his actions. The judgment was not issued until fourteen months after the initial hearing.

Mr Justice Sweeting apologised and acknowledged that the judgment should have been completed earlier. In mitigation he cited his busy sitting schedule and personal matters.

The Lord Chief Justice and the Lord Chancellor took into consideration the mitigating circumstances in this case and agreed to issue Mr Justice Sweeting 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