A magistrate who was ‘rude, dismissive and unprofessional’ has been issued with formal advice for misconduct.
According to a statement by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, a staff member complained that Christine Parry had acted towards them in a rude and dismissive tone in the presence of other magistrates by declining to listen to matters raised by the staff member in court. The staff member said Parry ‘caused them emotional upset and undermined their professional reputation’.
Parry ‘partially agreed’ with the outline of events provided by the staff member. In representations, she said she ‘felt that the staff member had acted aggressively towards her and left her feeling bullied on the relevant day’.
A spokesperson for the JCIO said: ‘On appointment, magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking, which includes a commitment to maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy. The guide to judicial conduct reminds office holders to be courteous, patient, tolerant and to respect the dignity of all.’
An advisory committee, which considered the complaint, acknowledged ‘tensions between…Parry and the staff member’. It found Parry ‘did not behave with courtesy and respect towards the staff member, and in repeatedly not listening to the matters raised by the staff member, Mrs Parry was rude, dismissive and unprofessional’.
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It added: ‘Mrs Parry did not behave with any malice, however she was reckless in not assessing the impact of her actions. The nominated committee member also took into consideration the emotional harm to the staff member and the delay caused to court proceedings.’
Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the lady chief justice and with the lord chancellor’s agreement, issued Parry with formal advice for misconduct.
Sanctions for misconduct by judicial office holders are, in order of severity: formal advice, formal warning, reprimand and removal from office.
