A magistrate and aspiring local politician has been issued with formal advice for misconduct after referring to his status as a magistrate when standing as a candidate in a local election.
Andrew Dawson in a promotional leaflet produced while he was standing as a candidate referred to: '17 years keeping the streets safe as a magistrate'.
A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said: ‘The guide to judicial conduct reminds magistrates that the initials JP should not be used for the furtherance of trade, professional, business or political interests.
‘Magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment, which includes an agreement to be circumspect in their conduct and maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy at all times, in their private, working and public lives.’
Dawson apologised for his actions and said he had ‘referred to his role as a magistrate to evidence he was a committed public servant and said it was part of his “sales pitch”’, the JCIO said.
In his representations Dawson said he was ‘unclear how his campaign material, and the reference to his public service, could undermine the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy’.
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An investigation found Dawson had referred to his position as a magistrate ‘in a way which went beyond a permissible statement of fact and clearly intended for the reference to his role to form a part of his electioneering campaign’.
The investigation noted there was a ‘risk that the reference to Mr Dawson’s position as a magistrate could be perceived as an attempt to enhance his appeal as a prospective councillor and may have influenced how voters had viewed him’. It was accepted that Dawson’s actions were a ‘genuine error of judgment’ but ‘reflected a lack of circumspection and care’.
Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the lady chief justice and with the lord chancellor’s agreement, issued Dawson, who had a previously unblemished service, with formal advice for misconduct.
