JCIO 40/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lady Chief Justice has, with the Lord Chancellor’s agreement, issued Deputy District Judge (DDJ) Dinshaw Printer with a formal warning for misconduct.

Facts

The Guide to Judicial Conduct reminds judges to manage their financial affairs in a prudent manner. They should also ensure their conduct maintains public confidence in the judiciary.

The JCIO received two complaints about DDJ Printer’s conduct which alleged that DDJ Printer had managed his matrimonial finances in a way that called his integrity into a question, and that he had failed to disclose a material change to his financial position during court proceedings.

DDJ Printer’s representations

DDJ Printer denied the majority of the allegations but accepted that he had signed documents in his then wife’s name and that he had failed to update the court. The matter was referred to an investigating judge.

Investigating judge’s findings

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Judicial and other office holder) Rules 2014 the investigating judge dismissed the majority of the allegations. However, they found that DDJ Printer had signed financial documents on behalf of his then wife. While finding that there was no evidence that he had attempted to defraud anyone, the investigating judge found that the action amounted to misconduct.

Furthermore, they found that DDJ Printer had deliberately failed to disclose a material alteration to his financial position during court proceedings. While accepting that DDJ Printer did update the court before the final deadline, that this was not an attempt to hide assets, and the delay in disclosure would not affect the final decision, the investigating judge considered that this action amounted to misconduct.

Decision

The Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with the investigating judge’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