Statement6624

JCIO 66/24

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said:

The Lord Chancellor, with the Lady Chief Justice’s agreement, has removed Miss Fazila Karolia from the magistracy for failure, without a reasonable excuse, to complete the minimum annual sittings required of a magistrate.

Facts

On appointment, magistrates sign an undertaking, which includes a commitment to sit for at least 13 days (or 26 half days) a year. They are also expected to keep in regular contact with their bench chair and be able to demonstrate commitment and reliability.

The summary process in the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2023 enables an advisory committee to recommend a magistrate’s removal from office without further investigation where that magistrate has failed, without a reasonable excuse, to meet their minimum sitting requirement.

The North West Region Conduct Advisory Committee recommended Miss Karolia’s removal from the magistracy after she had failed to meet the annual minimum sittings in nine out of the last 10 years. Consideration was given to removing Miss Karolia in 2018, however no further action was taken at that stage after Miss Karolia gave an assurance that she would comply with future sitting requirements. Whilst she met the sitting requirements in the year following, Miss Karolia has not met the sitting requirements since 2019.

Miss Karolia’s representations

Miss Karolia did not respond to the advisory committee’s attempts to contact her about the matter.

Decision

The Lord Chancellor and the Lady Chief Justice agreed with the recommendation to remove Miss Karolia from office without further investigation.

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