A magistrate who received six penalty points on his driving licence and a fine after he was caught speeding has been issued with formal advice for misconduct. Michael Muldoon reported himself when he was issued with a notice of the intended prosecution.

A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said ‘judicial office holders are expected to show ‘respect for the law and observance of the law’’ adding that magistrates on taking on the role agree ‘to be circumspect in their conduct and to maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy at all times’.

Road traffic offences need to be reported to the relevant leadership judge, or bench chair in the case of a magistrate, if on conviction a period of disqualification is imposed or six penalty points are ordered to be endorsed on the licence of if the total points endorsed exceeds six, the JCIO said.

Muldoon’s speeding conviction was dealt with by consent as there was no dispute as to the complaint.

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In his representations Muldoon apologised and said he was ‘regretful and embarrassed by his actions’. He sought advice from his ‘judicial mentor’ and promptly notified his bench chair of the matter. Other than the six penalty points, Muldoon said he ‘otherwise held a clean driver’s licence’.

Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the lady chief justice, with the lord chancellor’s agreement, found that Muldoon’s actions which gave rise to the speeding offence amounted to misconduct. They issued Muldoon with formal advice for misconduct.