JCIO 32/22

     

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the Lord Chief Justice and with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, has issued Jayne Harding JP of the South West London bench with a formal warning for making serious unfounded allegations of discrimination about several of her colleagues.

On appointment, magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking, which includes a commitment to be circumspect in their conduct. They must also act honestly and with integrity at all times. In 2019, the Lord Chief Justice revoked Mrs Harding’s authorisation to hear family cases. This was after consideration of concerns raised by a number of her colleagues about her competence to deal with such cases. Mrs Harding responded by making serious allegations of prejudice and victimisation against several of the individuals in question.

Following an investigation by the London Conduct Advisory Committee, carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2014, Mrs Harding’s allegations were found to be wholly unjustified and potentially defamatory. Additionally, she had ignored advice to make her complaints through the appropriate grievance processes.

A conduct panel recommended that Mrs Harding receive a formal warning. Mr Justice Keehan and the Lord Chancellor agreed. In reaching their decision, they took into account that Mrs Harding had failed to accept responsibility for her actions.

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